HENDERSON, Nevada — Blessed with a clean bill of health and the perspective that comes from surviving a life-threatening infection, Charlie McAvoy is brimming with gratitude as he enters the 2025-26 season.

“I just can’t thank (the doctors) enough,” the Boston Bruins defenceman told Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas Tuesday during a recording of the 32 Thoughts podcast.

McAvoy suffered an injury to his right shoulder’s acromioclavicular (AC) joint while representing Team USA at February’s 4 Nations Face-Off. His shoulder developed a dangerous staph infection that forced him into surgery.

The doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital needed to act fast, McAvoy explained, because the infection began tracking down from his shoulder toward his heart.

“So now you’re getting really worrie

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