Bruins defenseman sends message to ‘early days’ after leaving Boston

The Bruins lost two longtime players on their first day in office when Jake DeBrusk signed with the Vancouver Canucks and Matt Grzelcyk signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Charlie McAvoy, who was teammates with both players since entering the league in the 2017-18 season, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message to two of his close friends.

“My first day is here,” McAvoy wrote in the caption of the post that included photos of the trio. “From 2017 to now, I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. I never took for granted the chance to play with two of my best friends.”

“This game brings so many people into your life and while it doesn’t last forever, friendships always do,” the post continued. “I’m grateful for all the memories that will last a lifetime. I know you both will do amazing things in this next chapter! Two incredible Bruins. #Bino #GeorgeThanos @matt.grzelcyk @jdebrusk”

Grzelcyk and McAvoy also played together at Boston University, so the two had nearly a decade of playing time before going their separate ways.

DeBrusk signed a seven-year deal with the Canucks after spending his first seven seasons with the Bruins. Grzelcyk, meanwhile, signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. The defenseman had the worst season of his career in 2023-24, and will now look to bounce back and help the Penguins return to the playoffs.

McAvoy did get a new teammate on the blue line, though, after Boston signed Nikita Zadorov to a six-year contract this week.