Let it be known, the 4 Nations Face-Off final between Team USA and Team Canada was set to be the “El Classico” ice hockey tomorrow, but not anymore, because the States will miss Charlie McAvoy. The Boston Bruins star defenseman was ruled out of the championship game due to an upper-body injury against Finland on Feb. 13, a revelation that came not from Team USA but directly from the Bruins organization. This unusual move raised eyebrows, but what followed was even more shocking.

The Bruins defender, Charlie McAvoy remains hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital with an infection in his right shoulder and a significant injury to his AC joint. Sportsnet 590 The FAN posted a clip on X where Elliotte Friedman said, “The Bruins were extremely unhappy with the way this was handled, and they felt McAvoy didn’t get the proper care.”

McAvoy, who sustained an AMC joint injury in his right shoulder during the game against Finland, was admitted to the Hospital upon returning to Boston. Team USA’s medical staff, led by Dr. Joel Boyd of the Minnesota Wild, had initially treated him, but his condition worsened. Friedman also revealed, “it was something along these lines that the one thing is, I remember yesterday when it was the Bruins and not Team USA, announced that McAvoy was out, there were people saying how come the Bruins, whose GM is the GM of Team Canada, are announcing that Charlie McAvoy wouldn’t? And then it became pretty clear it’s because the Bruins were extremely unhappy with the way this had been handled.” McAvoy did not play against Sweden on Monday night as well.

For Boston, losing their top defenseman—with 23 points in 50 games who logs over 23 minutes of ice time per game—just before the NHL season resumes is a nightmare. But the deeper issue lies in the chain of events that led to McAvoy’s hospitalization and the apparent tension between the Bruins and Team USA.

Further complicating matters is the presence of Team USA’s head coach, Mike Sullivan, who is McAvoy’s father-in-law. The revelation sparked a firestorm of debate among fans, with some questioning whether Sullivan, as both a coach and a family member, played a role in the decision to let McAvoy continue playing despite his injury. Sullivan addressed the media, calling McAvoy’s absence a “tough loss” but reaffirming his belief in the team’s depth.

“He’s played extremely well through this tournament,” Sullivan said. “When you lose players of his caliber, they’re not easy to replace. I know from a personal standpoint what this tournament’s meant to him and how much he was looking forward to playing in this. Having said that, we have capable of people. We have a lot of depth at all positions and it’s going to provide opportunities for others to step up.”

The controversy also sheds light on Team USA’s decision-making process regarding injuries, a topic that has been scrutinized before. Reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes will join Team USA ahead of the championship game, Sullivan announced. While it’s unclear whether McAvoy’s injury resulted from negligence or simply the unpredictable nature of hockey, one thing is certain: the Bruins feel slighted. The timing of their statement, the insider reports of their dissatisfaction, and McAvoy’s extended hospital stay suggest that this is more than just a standard injury update.

As Team USA prepares to take on Canada without one of their best defensemen, the focus remains on the ice. But for Boston, this situation has sparked deeper concerns about player welfare, communication between organizations, and the risks involved in loaning out franchise players to international teams.

Raised Eyebrows Over Sullivan’s Role and McAvoy’s Injury

With emotions running high, fans wasted no time in reacting to the developing controversy. One of the most common reactions centered around Mike Sullivan’s relationship with McAvoy. “No way his father-in-law Sully would knowingly let him play with a serious injury,” one fan posted, highlighting the trust placed in Sullivan’s judgment. The logic here is understandable—why would a coach, who also happens to be McAvoy’s family, risk his health and, by extension, his NHL career? But for skeptics, familial ties don’t necessarily absolve Sullivan or Team USA’s medical staff of responsibility.

Another fan echoed similar sentiments: “I find it hard to believe that USA’s coach would let his son-in-law, father of his grandson, play if it was obviously more injured than medical staff reported. That’s McAvoy’s career, he would risk that as coach especially one that is also his father-in-law.” The belief that Sullivan had more at stake than just a hockey game. However, others weren’t so convinced, pointing to the Bruins’ public frustration as a sign that something wasn’t right.

The debate over Team USA’s medical staff also extended beyond McAvoy. One fan drew parallels to another notable absence from the tournament: “Probably why the Canucks said heck no to Quinn going.” Vancouver’s decision to hold back Hughes suddenly seemed like a wise one, reinforcing the idea that some teams may be wary of how international competitions handle player injuries.

Another fan cut straight to the point: “If I were the Bruins, I would be pissed as well.” The Bruins’ response—announcing McAvoy’s injury themselves and reportedly voicing displeasure—suggests they believe his treatment in Team USA’s care was insufficient. Perhaps the most speculative comment came from a fan who suggested a medical misstep: “Could have had a cortisone injection and it gave him an infection. Sepsis? Seems to be in hospital for a while. Speedy recovery.”

The nature of his hospitalization remains vague, fueling speculation and concern about his long-term health and readiness for the rest of the NHL season.

So, What do you make of the fate of the Bruins, considering McAvoy’s prolonged absence ahead of the season? Lets us know in the comments below.