Why This Bruins Star Deserves To Be Boston’s Next Captain

The Boston Bruins have to find a new jersey to place the “C” on after a reportedly momentous move Friday.

Boston totally shook things up at the NHL Trade Deadline with several deals to move veterans. The headliner undoubtedly came with Bruins captain Brad Marchand reportedly heading to the Florida Panthers, the team that eliminated Boston in each of the last two postseasons.

The Bruins named Marchand their 27th captain in franchise history prior to the 2023-2024 season, Boston’s centennial season. He played less than two seasons into that captaincy prior to the reported deal. As his Bruins career comes to a close (for now), his stacked resume includes four All-Star selections, 422 career goals, and the ultimate accomplishment as a 2011 Stanley Cup champion. His path would continue in Florida for the reigning champion Panthers.

That leaves a void back in Boston as the Bruins now must find their 28th captain.

Charlie McAvoy has an incredibly strong case to earn that honor for the Bruins.

McAvoy does trail fellow alternate captain David Pastrnak in team tenure with Marchand gone, though the Bruins defenseman totally embodies what that “C” represents in Boston. The Boston University product exhibits on-ice toughness as a quality teammate and stands up with accountability for the Bruins.

McAvoy holds 300 career points for the Bruins with 60 goals and 240 assists. He won an Eastern Conference title with Boston in 2019 and currently plays through his eighth NHL season with the Bruins. His play marks a staple of the recent core at TD Garden and he’s capable of leading a new group forward after a trade deadline reset by general manager Don Sweeney.

McAvoy’s resume was likely deserving when Marchand earned the “C” two years ago, which was still the right decision for the Bruins following Patrice Bergeron’s retirement. McAvoy learned the ropes from three previous captains during his playing career alongside Marchand, Bergeron and fellow defenseman Zdeno Chara. He’s ready to take the reins if the franchise makes such a selection of the Long Island native.

For now, the Bruins will have Marchand on their minds at TD Garden Tuesday night when the Panthers visit Boston.