Charlie McAvoy pens first public statement as Thanksgiving message since undergoing facial surgery

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has issued his first public statement since undergoing facial surgery earlier this month sharing a Thanksgiving message on Thursday alongside a family photo posted to Instagram.

McAvoy, who was injured on November 15 after taking a deflected slap shot to the face during Boston’s win in Montreal, has been recovering at home following the procedure. The Bruins announced last week that the 27-year-old blueliner had undergone facial surgery and would be out indefinitely as he continues to heal.

On Thursday, McAvoy used the holiday to speak publicly for the first time since the operation. In his Instagram caption, he thanked fans, friends and teammates for their support and expressed relief to be back with his family.

“Thanks to everyone who sent thoughts and prayers to us. Feeling so grateful to be home and together this Thanksgiving,” McAvoy wrote.

He also penned a sweet message for his wife Kiley.

“Most thankful for the glue that holds this family together and navigates us through every difficult time, we’re so lucky you’re ours @kileymcavoy ❤️ Happy Thanksgiving to all 🍗🦃.”

The post included a photo of McAvoy with his wife and their young son Rhys as they celebrated the holiday.

Charlie McAvoy was placed on injured reserve on November 23 with head coach Marco Sturm saying the priority was rest and recovery.

Charlie McAvoy’s wife Kiley reflects on ‘tough’ few weeks following his injury

Last weekend, Charlie McAvoy’s wife Kiley shared an Instagram story featuring a photo of Charlie with their son Rhys in what appeared to be a hospital recovery room.

In the caption, she reflected on the difficult period the family was going through:

“These past few weeks have been really tough for our family. We can’t thank everyone enough for all of the kind words and prayers. My boys are as tough as it gets!”

McAvoy has been out since November 15 when he was injured during Boston’s 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. The play unfolded midway through the second period when the Bruins were hemmed in their own zone and Montreal defenseman Noah Dobson released a rising slap shot from the point. The puck deflected off a stick in front and struck McAvoy under the visor, sending him immediately to the ice.

The 27-year-old left the game bleeding, was assisted off by trainers and did not return. Post-game, head coach Marco Sturm told reporters McAvoy was being evaluated and that surgery was a possibility. After traveling back to Boston for further imaging, the Bruins confirmed days later that McAvoy had indeed undergone facial surgery and would be out indefinitely.

Prior to the injury, McAvoy had been logging heavy minutes as Boston’s top defenseman and one of six players already named to Team USA’s preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. While no timeline has been given, a full recovery in time for Olympic selection remains possible depending on how the facial injuries heal.