BOSTON — Defenseman Charlie McAvoy of Team USA is anticipated to be sidelined for several weeks following a medical procedure on Tuesday to address an infection, as reported by sources to Daily Faceoff. This news is a significant setback for the Boston Bruins.

McAvoy has officially been ruled out for Thursday’s pivotal 4 Nations Face-Off championship match against Canada, a disappointing development as it deprives him of participating in a crucial rivalry game played in his home arena.

The 27-year-old defenseman was admitted to a Boston hospital on Monday night due to intense pain from an infection linked to a minor “upper-body” injury. This infection necessitated immediate medical intervention to manage it and prevent further complications, which included the procedure to cleanse the affected area. As a result, McAvoy will be unavailable on a week-to-week basis while he recovers.

On Tuesday, McAvoy remained under observation at the hospital but is expected to be discharged provided there are no additional complications. Fortunately, there are no long-term health concerns for him.

USA coach Mike Sullivan, who is also McAvoy’s father-in-law, expressed disappointment regarding McAvoy’s absence from the championship game. “He’s a very competitive individual, and this tournament was significant for him,” Sullivan stated. “There’s a personal element in our relationship, and I feel for him because he’s an exceptional player and an even better person.”

This situation not only affects McAvoy but also has implications for Team USA. Canada is set to welcome back top defenseman Cale Makar, who missed Saturday’s game due to illness, for Thursday night’s showdown at TD Garden. In the previous matchup against Canada, McAvoy was instrumental in Team USA’s victory, logging 19:27 of ice time and delivering two significant hits, including one that knocked Connor McDavid off his feet.

With McAvoy out, Team USA’s defense lineup faces uncertainty. Sullivan indicated on Tuesday that Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was potentially en route to Boston as an emergency replacement. However, Hughes practiced in Vancouver and was undecided about traveling.

Sources revealed that Hughes would consider flying to Boston only if there was a genuine opportunity for him to participate in Thursday’s championship game. He was originally selected for the team but withdrew due to injury and has since used the break to recover.

Tournament regulations state that players can only be added to a roster if a team falls below the required number of forwards or defensemen. This rule applies to positions equally, and the U.S. also has three forwards currently injured. As of Tuesday evening, the NHL had not yet confirmed whether these injuries might permit Hughes to join the team, potentially allowing for a roster of 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

However, the prospect seemed slim, as it would require at least two forwards to be ruled out, along with NHL approval for such a swap. Meanwhile, Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson is expected to step in for McAvoy in Thursday’s game.