The Boston Bruins showed their appreciation for Charlie McAvoy on Friday by handing the talented defenseman the biggest contract in franchise history. McAvoy inked an eight-year extension that will keep him with the Bruins through the 2029-30 NHL season and pay him a $9.5 million annual salary.
McAvoy’s new deal, worth $76 million, kicks in next season. He will play out 2021-22 on the final year of the three-year, $14.7 million contract he inked back in 2019.
McAvoy emerged as the Bruins’ top defenseman in 2020-21 and spent more time on the ice than any other player on the team. He played all but five games last season, contributing with five goals and 25 assists for a total of 30 points. This put him in the conversation for the best defenseman in the league, and he ended up finishing third in the Norris Trophy voting.
“He’s part of the core now, and going forward,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said of McAvoy. “For a coach, it’s great. He works hard, trying to get better. He’s growing into a leader, I think this helps him in that department.”
McAvoy, who spent his college career at Boston University, was drafted by the Bruins with the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2017-18 season and went on to play 235 regular-season games and 65 playoff games for the franchise.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” McAvoy said. “I’ve wanted to be in Boston since the moment I’ve been here. It’s been a dream to come to BU and be able to stay here. It’s just been such a dream to get to this point. I can’t be happier than I am right now.”
