NHL superstar heads to the Olympics in terrible condition - shocking image released

Boston Bruins defender Charlie McAvoy faced tough times this week in the NHL. He posted a brutal image of his battered face without any caption on X service.

Florida Panthers’ Latvian player Sandis Vilmanis tackled McAvoy harshly with an elbow to the head. The Bruins star had to leave the game but returned to the ice later in the second period.

Vilmanis got away with just a two-minute penalty without further consequences.

Bruins head coach Marco Sturm did not hide his frustration.

– It was a brutal hit, and everyone saw it, Sturm said to reporters after the game, according to Sportsnet.

– I watched the replay of the situation, and I just didn’t understand how it ended up being a four-on-four situation.

McAvoy has suffered facial injuries earlier this season as well. He was sidelined for nearly a month after taking a slap shot to the face.

– I’m here to protect my players, especially Charlie. If his head is targeted, as was clearly seen in that situation, it really angers me, Sturm added.

McAvoy was one of four NHL players who flew to Milan on regular flights in advance to participate in the opening ceremony.

The United States’ first game is against Latvia, where he will face Vilmanis again.

McAvoy has collected 39 points in 45 games this season. He is part of the United States Olympic team for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Games.