Charlie McAvoy may not be playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off final with Team USA, but he's free to cheer them on.
The defenceman was released from hospital Thursday afternoon, he confirmed on his Instagram story, after undergoing a procedure to treat an infection that stemmed from an upper-body injury sustained during the tournament.
The statement from Boston Bruins head team physician Peter Asnis said McAvoy injured his AC joint in the American round-robin game against Finland on Thursday in Montreal and was treated by the Team USA medical staff.
The pain increased after he returned to Boston, and further testing revealed the infection. Doctors treated the infection and McAvoy is improving, Asnis said.
The Bruins were "unhappy" with how the defenceman's ailment was handled by Team USA, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Real Kyper and Bourne on Wednesday.
That the Bruins made the injury statement — and not Team USA — drew some questioning, per Friedman.
"It became pretty clear it's because the Bruins were extremely unhappy with the way this had been handled and that they felt in this particular case McAvoy didn't get the proper care," Friedman said.
"We'll see how this plays out over time and we'll see if anybody disputes this, but it seems to me right now that Boston's very upset at the care that McAvoy got under Team USA."
McAvoy, 27, had been a key contributor to the American team in the international tournament whose big hits on Canadian stars Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby were credited with setting a tone in the round-robin matchup between the North American rivals.
Canada vs. USA in 4 Nations Face-Off final on Sportsnet
Fierce rivals Canada and the U.S. collide in Boston on Thursday for the 4 Nations Face-Off final. Full coverage begins on on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.
Full broadcast schedule
Thursday’s championship against Canada will be on the Bruins’ home ice.
“He’s obviously disappointed that he won’t have the ability to participate in the championship game. This tournament means a lot to him,” U.S. coach Mike Sullivan, who is also McAvoy’s father-in-law, said on Tuesday. “I’m disappointed for him because first and foremost, he’s a great kid and he’s a terrific hockey player, and I know this meant a lot to him.”
-- With files from the Associated Press
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