BOSTON -- With two top defensemen likely out heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Boston Bruins signed Charlie McAvoy out of Boston University on Monday.
General manager Don Sweeney said that defenseman Torey Krug likely won't play in Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. He suffered a lower-body injury against the Senators on Thursday and was seen using crutches Saturday.
Rookie blueliner Brandon Carlo is definitely out Wednesday, Sweeney said. He suffered an upper-body injury during the regular-season finale against the Washington Capitals on Saturday and was listed as day-to-day.
.@CMcAvoy44 on the ice for practice. Wearing No. 73. pic.twitter.com/Niyo4iAfHJ
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 10, 2017
Neither Krug nor Carlo practiced Monday.
The 19-year-old McAvoy, who gets a three-year, entry-level contract, will be eligible for the playoffs, but Sweeney said it's up to coach Butch Cassidy whether he plays Wednesday. There was a question as to whether the Bruins would want to sign McAvoy now since he burns a year of eligibility on his contract and will reach free agency early.
"It's a sharp learning curve and it'll be even sharper if he gets into play this Wednesday, or Saturday, or whenever that is, but we feel very good about his skill set and what he brings to the table," Sweeney said. "He's a kid that seeks out the bigger moments."
The former first-round pick (14th overall) in the 2016 NHL draft played two seasons at Boston University before turning pro. He played four games for Boston's AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, during an amateur tryout before he signed his contract.
"You grow up dreaming of being a part of the NHL, and I'm here right now and very fortunate for that opportunity," McAvoy said.
The biggest adjustment will be the speed of the game.
"Guys are really strong on their sticks and stronger at every level, so I'm sure when I get an opportunity to play that I'm going to have to be moving and making decisions way before you get the puck and being strong on your stick because it's a man's game," McAvoy said.
His brief stint in the minors will help him prepare for his NHL debut in the playoffs.
"It goes a long way," he said. "Those four games I was able to grow a little bit in each game and [learn] a little bit from each game. I'm very thankful for my time spent there."