McAvoy undergoes surgery to clean infection in shoulder

The Boston Bruins announced Wednesday that defenseman Charlie McAvoy underwent surgery to clean out an infection stemming from a significant injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder.

McAvoy will miss weeks as he recovers, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported Tuesday.

The 27-year-old had already been ruled out of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game earlier Tuesday with an upper-body injury after playing two contests for Team USA.

McAvoy was injured Feb. 13 against Finland but played in the Americans' next game.

The U.S. is expected to use the following defense pairs Thursday against Canada:

Head coach Mike Sullivan said Quinn Hughes was joining the team as a possible injury replacement. By rule, Hughes could only suit up if another defenseman was ruled out due to injury or illness. However, Hughes was present in Vancouver at Canucks practice Tuesday.

"I really want to," Hughes said when asked if he'll head east to play for the USA. "They still have their six D, so that changes my situation a little bit."

McAvoy was plus-1 in two games at the 4 Nations. He's tallied seven goals and 16 assists in 50 games with the Bruins this season while averaging a team-high 23:40. He's finished top 20 in Norris Trophy voting in each of the last five seasons.