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McAvoy shows ‘poise’ in AHL debut

2016 NHL Draft - Round One

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 24: Charlie McAvoy celebrates with the Boston Bruins after being selected 14th overall during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Charlie McAvoy’s first two AHL games didn’t do anything to quell the talk he could make his NHL debut this season.

The 19-year-old defenseman registered two assists for Providence, and he got a solid review from Bruins GM Don Sweeney.

“His poise is probably what stands out the most,” said Sweeney, per CSN New England. “His understanding of holding it for that one extra second and not panicking in certain situations [was noticeable] as was his offensive blue line stuff. That stuff is nice and he’s made some nice high-end plays for [goals]. His puck play stuff is really good and now he’s learning in terms of structure without the puck. That’s probably the area that continues to need to be worked on.”

Sweeney wouldn’t say whether he expects McAvoy to get the call to the big club.

“We’ve left that option open and we’re happy that we left it open,” he said.

Winners of five straight in regulation, the Bruins don’t exactly have a pressing need for a right-shot defenseman. Brandon Carlo, Adam McQuaid, and Kevan Miller have all been getting it done lately.

If there’s a question mark, it’s the left side of the third pair, a job that’s currently between Colin Miller and John-Michael Liles.

In theory, Kevan Miller could move to the left side and skate with McAvoy. But we’ll have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

The Bruins host Tampa Bay tomorrow.

Related: McAvoy has the talent to improve Bruins right now