A debate has arisen regarding whether the Boston Bruins should demote top defenseman Charlie McAvoy once he returns to the lineup. Charlie McAvoy has been out of the lineup since Jan.

The Bruins have not had Lindholm and McAvoy anchoring their D corps together since the former suffered a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues.

The Bruins are set to receive a lift in the coming days, as Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy were regular participants in practice Monday.

The McAvoy family grew after Charlie McAvoy’s wife Kiley, gave birth the couple’s first child on Sunday morning.

Boston Bruins left wing Cole Koepke (45) collides with Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the crease during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) AP

Hampus Lindholm, out since Nov. 12 with a lower-body injury, was also a full participant in practice for the first time since going down in St. Louis after taking a shot off the knee. Like McAvoy, he will not travel to Buffalo but is closing in on a return to game action.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is still recovering from an undisclosed injury with no set return date.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy’s wife Kiley showed fans that she isn’t going to let pregnancy slow her down.

Will remain sidelined Tuesday

The Boston Bruins will be without Charlie McAvoy due to an undisclosed injury. Joe Sacco has explained the situation but hasn't delved into what caused it.

The Bruins took a short-lived 1-0 lead on Mason Lohrei’s goal in the first period, but the Sabres rattled off the next four goals to ice it.

He's expected to re-join the team for practices soon. The Bruins were without defensemen Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm. Wingers Mark Kastelic (upper-body injury) and Oliver Wahlstrom (illness) were also out. Rob Ray will become the 44th ...