Bruins Notes: McAvoy, Rask, JFK

Charlie McAvoy has been out of the Boston Bruins lineup for quite some time under unclear circumstances, but today the team confirmed that the young defenseman has been dealing with concussion symptoms. McAvoy has been “in the protocol” since suffering the injury on October 18th against the Edmonton Oilers, but is working his way back to getting into the lineup.

The Bruins have kept their head above water in the interim, but could really use McAvoy and his minute-munching abilities. The team currently sits at 8-5-2, but have fallen seven points behind the Atlantic Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning and gave up eight goals to the Vancouver Canucks last night. McAvoy has been their best defenseman on most nights he’s in the lineup, and has left a big hole with his absence.

• The Bruins have granted a leave of absence for goaltender Tuukka Rask, meaning he won’t be with the team for the next few days. GM Don Sweeney confirmed it is not health related, and instead is just a personal matter that Rask had to deal with. The team will be leaning on Jaroslav Halak for at least Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and will have to recall a goaltender from Providence to serve as the backup.
• Lastly, the team recalled Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson today to give them some more help up front, and will be starting him as the third line center tomorrow night. “JFK” as he is referred to has just four points in nine games for the Providence Bruins this season, but still holds plenty of promise as a future top-six player. Boston has struggled to find offense from anyone outside of their top line, and will now try just about anything to spark their group up front.