Remember back a couple of weeks ago when Monty told the media that Brad was close and was checking more boxes? Well later that night Marchand made his season debut for the black and gold, he had an okay game… just 2 goals and 1 assist.

Monty was asked about Charlie today after the Bruin’s practice where McAvoy was on the top D-pairing with Lindholm. Monty again used his checking boxes example to share Charlie’s progression through the required rehab. As if this wasn’t enough of a hint that 73 will be in the lineup Thursday against Calgary, the Bruins also placed Mike Riley, the penalty prone puck moving defenseman on waivers with the intention of sending him to Providence if he clears. This move is obviously a gesture to clear cap space and roster space for 73.

How will McAvoy’s return influence the Bruin's 5v5 play and power play though? Sure these questions will be answered during the game but for fun let's make some predictions.

5 v 5 Play

Based on practice today, the club will most likely keep Charlie and Lindy together to maintain the most dominant D-pairing in the NHL to start the game. If there is one thing guaranteed about Monty and the coaching staff is that they love to change up lines, and I would not mind seeing 73 play with 48 or 25. I think Charlie and Hampus both make the defenseman they are paired with better. Hampus has played a lot with Griz, so possibly putting McAvoy with Carlo wouldn’t be that bad of an idea, as it can only elevate Brandon’s game (which is already as good, if not better than past years).

The Power Play

The return of 73 creates a great opportunity for the bruins to create 2 power play units that would both be good enough to be the first unit for most NHL teams. I predict that the coaching staff would opt to keep Hampus and Charlie separate on the power play unless it is desperation time as this gives both units a great puck moving defenseman that has the speed to get back and defend short-handed opportunities.