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Atlantic Division: Each team’s top breakout candidate for 2019-20 season

By Cory Mello

SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 26: Members of the Atlantic Division team of the Eastern Conference pose for a team photo during the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game at SAP Center on January 26, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 26: Members of the Atlantic Division team of the Eastern Conference pose for a team photo during the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game at SAP Center on January 26, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Boston Bruins – Charlie McAvoy

Charlie McAvoy has become one of the most reliable defensemen for the Boston Bruins. Playing alongside captain Zdeno Chara, McAvoy is called upon to play against the best players the opposition has to offer.

Averaging 22:10 minutes a game, McAvoy plays in all aspects of the game. He always has his head up to make long crisp passes to forwards, often catching the oppositions defenseman off-guard. After joining the Bruins during their 2016-17 Stanley Cup Playoffs, McAvoy will be up for a contract in 2019-20.

Following a successful rookie season that saw him total seven goals, 25 assists, and 32 points, he came into the 2018-19 season poised to establish himself as the future of the Boston Bruins. Unfortunately for McAvoy, he hit the injury bug early into the 2018-19 season, causing him to miss 28 games.

He was well on his way to shattering his career high of 32 points, as he already had 28 points in only 54 games played. When healthy, McAvoy is one of the best young blue-liners in the entire NHL.

There is much to like about his will to compete every shift. McAvoy has legitimate potential to become a Norris Trophy candidate one day. His ability to exceed in every aspect of the game impresses game after game.

One area of play McAvoy needs to work on is his defensive aspect of the game, where he has been prone to become out of position due to his willingness to join the rush. As long as McAvoy is able to remain healthy, there is nothing stopping him from shattering his career high in points.

Look for McAvoy to break into the 50-point plateau for the first time. I suggest drafting McAvoy relatively early, as he will look to have a big season come 2019-20.

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