Bruins Management Compares This Bruin To A Bruins Legend

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Austin Sabourin
October 13, 2023 (6:55 PM)

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The notion of current Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy resembling the Hall of Famer Ray Bourque has started to gain traction, even if it might raise eyebrows among Bruins fans who fondly remember Bourque's illustrious career. Although McAvoy hasn't clinched a Norris Trophy yet, Bourque earned five during his 21 NHL seasons. However, Cam Neely, the team's president and Bourque's former teammate, is beginning to see resemblances between the two players.

Neely expressed his views when asked about similarities between McAvoy and Bourque, stating,

"I'm starting to see a lot, yeah."

What stands out for Neely is McAvoy's burgeoning leadership, both on and off the ice. He emphasized that leadership isn't something to be hoped for; it must be demonstrated through actions.

"He can log big minutes like Ray [Bourque] could, and defensively is strong offensively is the area where he's lagging a little bit from where Bourque was."

Neely also added,

"Charlie [McAvoy]I think we'd all like to see him shoot the puck more because he does have a good shot. I think he'd be more dangerous if he shoots the puck moreand that's one thing that Ray loved to do, is shoot the puck."

McAvoy is aware of Neely's assessment that he should shoot more and responded, "Yeah, well then, I should start shooting the puck more," with a wide grin.

If McAvoy takes the advice and increases his shot output while finding the back of the net more frequently, the comparisons to Ray Bourque may become even more pronounced.

As seen on bostonhockeynow