Bruins Management Makes A Surprise Statement On Charlie McAvoy

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Austin Sabourin
October 14, 2023 (9:55)

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Boston Bruins fans may find it almost sacrilegious to compare anyone to the legendary Ray Bourque, a Hall of Fame icon. However, could the Bruins have a budding version of Bourque in their midst?

While Charlie McAvoy hasn't clinched a Norris Trophy yet, it's worth noting that Bourque claimed five of these coveted awards during his illustrious 21-season NHL career. Interestingly, Cam Neely, Bourque's former Bruins teammate and the current team president, is starting to see striking similarities between the two.

Asked if he sees a resemblance between No. 73 and No. 77, Neely responded affirmatively. "I'm starting to see a lot, yeah."

What's truly beginning to echo Bourque in McAvoy, according to Neely, is how the 25-year-old is embracing a leadership role, both on and off the ice.

"We talk about leadership. You can't hope that someone's going to be a leader just because they're one of your better players. Someone has to emerge and demonstrate that they want to be a leader, not only through their on-ice performance but also off the ice. Charlie [McAvoy] is certainly doing that,"

Neely emphasized.

Comparing McAvoy to Bourque, Neely acknowledged McAvoy's ability to log substantial minutes and his strong defensive play. However, he noted that McAvoy could enhance his offensive contributions.

"Offensively is the area where he's lagging a little bit from where Bourque was. 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 more... and that's one thing that Ray loved to do, shoot the puck. So, as someone that stands in front of the net and takes a beating, I loved that."

Despite missing the first 13 games of the previous season due to offseason shoulder surgery, McAvoy delivered a stellar performance with seven goals and 45 assists in 67 games. He added five assists in seven playoff games. This was on the heels of a career-best season in which he tallied ten goals and 46 assists.

When McAvoy was informed of Neely's suggestion that he should shoot more, he responded with a grin, "Yeah, well then, I should start shooting the puck more."

Should McAvoy heed this advice and start finding the back of the net with his shots, the comparisons to Ray Bourque may only grow.

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