Bruins' Charlie McAvoy Still in Hospital with 'Significant' Shoulder Injury, Infection

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been in the hospital since Tuesday after being diagnosed with an infection and "significant" AC joint injury in his right shoulder, the team said Wednesday.

McAvoy's "condition is improving," according to head team physician Dr. Peter Asnis.

McAvoy collided with a goalpost last Thursday following a hit from Joel Armia in the third period of Team USA's 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland.

He returned on Saturday for the United States' game against Canada, where he laid multiple hits on both Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby as Team USA clinched a spot in the title contest with a win.

The Bruins noted that McAvoy underwent initial medical treatment while under the care of the Team USA medical staff.

McAvoy underwent further testing including X-rays and MRIs from Bruins staff after reporting "increasing pain" as the tournament swung from Montreal to Boston on Sunday, according to Asnis.

He sat out Team USA's loss to Sweden on Monday, and the Bruins announced Tuesday he would miss Thursday's championship game against Canada after being admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan initially declined to give details on the delay between McAvoy's initial injury and his admittance to the hospital.

"When the timing is right, I'm sure that the Bruins will handle it appropriately," Sullivan said Tuesday.

Sullivan added: "Under all the circumstances, he's in good spirits. I know he's disappointed. He wanted the opportunity to compete in the championship."

McAvoy was skating on Team USA's top pairing alongside Zach Werenski prior to his injury.

He will be replaced on the American roster by Quinn Hughes, who will not play against Canada unless another Team USA skater is injured.

Prior to the in-season tournament, McAvoy led Bruins skaters by averaging 23:40 minutes of ice time per game. He had seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 50 games.

The Bruins resume play on Saturday when the Anaheim Ducks arrive at TD Garden after the 4 Nations Face-Off break.