Charlie McAvoy and the Boston Bruins
Marisa Ingemi of the Boston Herald: A question popped up recently asking how much is Charlie McAvoy worth? The 21-year-old defenseman plays with Zdeno Chara and displays situational awareness not seen in most veterans. Also, McAvoy stabilizes the second-unit man advantage for the Boston Bruins. His ability to transition from defense to offense is the best on the team. The one concern remains health. However, his hockey acumen is unquestioned.
“He’s taken a little more of an assertive approach in the O-zone, of when to join,” Cassidy said. “… That’s hockey IQ plays, confidence to go at certain times in the game. … Charlie’s that type of goal scorer, he can weave his way in.”
Ultimately, Boston needs to figure out just what they have in McAvoy and make a decision.
Matt Dahloff of the 98.5TheSportsHub.com: Allegedly, Charlie McAvoy turned down a contract extension last season with the Boston Bruins. The problem lies in the outlier that is the extension which Aaron Ekblad received. That eight-year, $60 million deal paved the way to the McAvoy demand. However, no one from the McAvoy camp compared that contract directly. Don Sweeney cannot reach this threshold. David Krejci earns just $7.25 million AAV for example.
The other deal which opens doors is the Auston Matthews extension. It is not the dollar amount but the term (five years). Would Charlie McAvoy take five years and something around $34-35 million? Ultimately, this is an excellent question with no answer yet.
A couple more things on McAvoy…
Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic: Again, Charlie McAvoy’s play is undisputedly excellent when he is healthy. His trajectory is franchise defenseman/potential All-Star. The concussion histories are well documented. Ekblad’s deal is a known unicorn. However, what can McAvoy earn in his next deal?
His possession numbers for a 21-year-old are near a 55% Corsi For. He averages a point every other game. There are games that he takes over and makes things look easy. On the other hand, there is still learning and growing to do. Leverage strongly tilts toward Boston so McAvoy likely will take an offer less than Ekblad’s. Now, the question becomes how much less.
Pierre LeBrun: A wise idea for McAvoy may be to take a 3-4 year deal to capitalize more on the third contract which would allow for more UFA dollars.