Bruins place McAvoy on IR with lower-body injury

The Boston Bruins placed defenseman Charlie McAvoy on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday.

McAvoy suffered the injury during the Bruins' win over the Washington Capitals on Dec. 23 and then missed the club's past two games.

The 22-year-old has arguably been Boston's most valuable rearguard this season. He's logged a team-high 23:10 of ice time per game and is counted upon in all situations.

Despite firing 52 shots on net, the snakebitten McAvoy is still without a goal this campaign, but he's contributed 13 assists through 38 contests.

The Bruins' blue line has taken a hit recently, as McAvoy is joining fellow defensemen Torey Krug and Kevan Miller on IR.