Bruins' McAvoy Leaves Game After Heavy Hit, Returns to Play

Top defenseman Charlie McAvoy was evaluated after taking a hard hit to the head but was able to return to the game.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:31pm

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Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy left Sunday's game against the Florida Panthers after taking a heavy hit to the head, but he was able to return to the ice in the second period. McAvoy was hit by Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis, who was assessed a minor penalty for an illegal check to the head. Despite the scare, McAvoy finished the game and nearly scored the game-winning goal in the shootout, though the Bruins ultimately fell 5-4.

Why it matters

McAvoy is a key player for the Bruins and was recently named to the U.S. Olympic hockey team, so any injury concerns are closely watched. The hit also raised questions about player safety and officiating in the NHL.

The details

The incident occurred late in the first period as McAvoy carried the puck through the neutral zone. Vilmanis appeared to leave his feet and make contact with McAvoy's head using his elbow. McAvoy dropped to the ice and had to be helped off, but he returned to start the second period. Officials reviewed the play and assessed Vilmanis a minor penalty.

  • The hit happened late in the first period of Sunday's game.
  • McAvoy returned to the ice at the start of the second period.

The players

Charlie McAvoy

The Boston Bruins' top defenseman and a member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Sandis Vilmanis

A forward for the Florida Panthers who was assessed a minor penalty for the hit on McAvoy.

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The takeaway

While McAvoy was able to return to the game, the hit raised concerns about player safety and officiating in the NHL, especially with McAvoy being a key player for both the Bruins and the U.S. Olympic team.