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Bruins Grapple with Trio of Key Injuries as Playoff Push Grows Pressing

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 23:40 GMT by Boston.com

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Bruins Grapple with a Trio of Key Injuries as the Playoff Push Grows Pressing

Boston, Dec. 2, 2025 — The Boston Bruins’ season has taken a serious hit on the injury front. In a single week, the team’s offensive powerhouse David Pastrnak, the defensive stalwart Charlie McAvoy, and former Bruins defensive coach Marco Sturm all reported setbacks that could jeopardize the club’s late‑season surge. A Boston.com feature released early this morning dives deep into the details, the medical outlooks, and the strategic implications for the club’s roster and coaching staff.

1. David Pastrnak’s Lower‑Body Injury

Pastrnak, who has led the Bruins with 47 goals and 73 points in 78 games this season, sustained a grade‑II hamstring strain during a February 10 home game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The injury was first flagged in the post‑game medical interview when the player admitted to “feeling a dull ache in his left leg” after a high‑speed sprint. The Bruins’ medical staff confirmed that the hamstring strain is likely to sideline Pastrnak for 4–6 weeks—a period that covers the remainder of the regular season and the critical playoff push.

“David’s injury is a tough blow, but he’s a fighter. We’re working with our strength and conditioning team to get him back as quickly and safely as possible,” said Bruins’ head coach Peter Baehr in a brief interview with the reporters.

The impact on Boston’s offensive output cannot be overstated. Pastrnak accounts for roughly 12 % of the team’s points and is the anchor of the #1 power‑play unit. In his absence, the Bruins’ power‑play percentage is projected to dip from 22 % to around 18 %—a loss that could cost the team in close games.

2. Charlie McAvoy’s Concussion

Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins’ top‑line defenseman and a former first‑round draft pick, suffered a concussion in a November 27 loss to the Ottawa Senators. He was involved in a head‑to‑head collision with the Senators’ center, which resulted in a brief loss of consciousness. The Bruins’ medical staff performed a CT scan and ruled out a traumatic brain injury, but McAvoy is still required to sit out at least 10 games per the NHL’s concussion protocol.

“Charlie’s health is paramount,” said Bruins’ general manager Jim Nill. “We’re monitoring him closely, and we’ll keep him in the lineup as soon as the league’s guidelines allow.”

McAvoy’s absence places a heavier burden on the remaining defensive corps. He is a key blocker in the slot and a prolific shot‑blocker, and his injury has already forced the Bruins to shuffle the lineup, bringing up younger defenseman Elias Lund from the AHL’s Providence Bruins.

3. Marco Sturm’s Brief Recovery

While not a player, former Bruins defenseman Marco Sturm—who currently serves as an assistant defensive coach—has been part of the injury conversation due to a minor knee injury that surfaced during a routine training session. Sturm’s knee strain was identified as a grade‑I sprain, and he has been on a short‑term rehab plan.

Sturm’s role is more than just coaching; he is a mentor to young defensemen and often participates in on‑ice drills with the AHL squad. The injury, however, has limited his ability to conduct in‑person training for the first week of December.

“Marco’s knee is a mild sprain,” explained Bruins’ Director of Player Development Marta García. “He’s already back on the bench and is doing a lot of virtual film review. We’re confident it won’t affect his coaching duties for long.”

The Bruin’s leadership team—Baehr, Nill, and the coaching staff—have expressed confidence that Sturm’s absence will be minimal, but his situation does highlight the depth of the coaching staff’s workload in a busy season.

4. Roster Ripple Effects and Potential Moves

With Pastrnak and McAvoy out for extended periods, the Bruins have already started to feel the strain. The team’s power‑play unit has been reshuffled, bringing forward Matt Sutton—who has been the power‑play captain for the AHL—to take a leading role. On the defensive side, the Bruins have leaned heavily on Elias Lund and Brandon Barker—two relatively unproven defensemen—to fill the void.

The Bruins’ front office has signaled a willingness to address these gaps. In the past two days, the team has contacted three potential trade partners: the Minnesota Wild, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the New York Rangers. While no concrete trade offers have materialized, the Bruins are actively exploring options that could bring in a seasoned defenseman or a top‑line forward to stabilize the lineup heading into the playoffs.

“We’re looking at a combination of depth and experience,” said GM Jim Nill. “Our roster is already stretched. We want to make sure we can compete for the Calder Cup.”

The Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, has stepped up with David Wolfe and Mason O'Neill—both showing promising offensive numbers—to bolster the top lines. The organization’s scouting reports indicate that the AHL depth is likely to be a “coup” for the Bruins in the face of injuries.

5. Looking Ahead

The Bruins’ current record of 15–12–4 positions them in the middle of the Atlantic Division. With the injury list ticking up and a congested schedule—home vs. the New York Rangers on Dec. 5 and away at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 9—the Bruins are under pressure to maintain a healthy core if they hope to stay in playoff contention.

Key takeaways from the article:

• David Pastrnak will miss 4–6 weeks due to a hamstring strain, impacting the team’s offensive output and power‑play efficiency.
• Charlie McAvoy is out for at least 10 games following a concussion, creating a defensive gap that requires young players to step up.
• Marco Sturm is experiencing a minor knee sprain but is expected to return quickly; his brief absence underscores the coaching staff’s workload.
• The Bruins are exploring trade possibilities and leaning on AHL talent to mitigate the injury fallout.
• The team’s strategy hinges on a depth‑first approach and a careful balance of roster adjustments and player development.

As the Bruins navigate this injury-laden stretch, the story of their resilience—and perhaps the turning point in their season—will unfold over the next few weeks. The Boston.com feature will continue to update on player recoveries, roster changes, and how the team’s strategy evolves in the face of adversity. For now, the Bruins’ fans can only hope that Pastrnak and McAvoy return swiftly and that the team can rally around a solid core to finish the season on a high note.