Recently, Charlie McAvoy, the star defenseman for the Boston Bruins, received some encouraging news from his head coach Jim Montgomery.

In the third period of the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-1 loss on Thursday, McAvoy was injured to his upper body by a reverse hit from JJ Peterka.

McAvoy, a key member of the Bruins defense as well as an alternate captain, did not participate in Friday’s practice. This made people wonder how serious his injury was.

On Friday, though, Montgomery gave a positive update. Given how serious head injuries can be in contact sports, the team is fortunate that he made it clear the injury was not to the head.

Even if short-term, the absence of Charlie McAvoy poses a challenge for the Bruins. Defenseman Hampus Lindholm suggested that McAvoy’s absence might lead to increased opportunities for other players to step into more significant roles.