Charlie McAvoy returns to Boston Bruins lineup

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday night in San Jose following a six-game suspension. McAvoy, the team's top defenseman, served the suspension after a slash to Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

During his absence, the Bruins maintained a 4-2-0 record and have recently won two consecutive games. Head coach Marco Sturm noted that while the team performed well without him, they are better with his presence. McAvoy has been participating in practices and power play repetitions to prepare for his return.

His return creates roster challenges for the Bruins' defensive corps. While McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm, and Will Borgen are considered locks for the lineup, coach Sturm must determine which players will move to a secondary role or be sent to the minor leagues.