Boston Bruins: Charlie McAvoy Signs Amateur Tryout Agreement to Report to Providence

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Charles McAvoy poses for a photo after being selected as the number fourteen overall draft pick by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Charles McAvoy poses for a photo after being selected as the number fourteen overall draft pick by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Top Boston prospect Charlie McAvoy has chosen to forgo his remaining years at Boston University, signing an amateur tryout agreement to join the Providence Bruins.

On Wednesday Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney announced that top prospect Charlie McAvoy will join the Providence Bruins.

McAvoy signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) and will forego the rest of his eligibility at Boston University. It’s expected that Charlie McAvoy will make his Providence debut over the weekend.

"He’ll get practice time tomorrow, probably practice Friday, and likely be available for the weekend of games,” Sweeney said in his press conference."

The practices and games with the Providence club will allow Boston to officially begin his entry level contract next season when he joins the big club.

McAvoy is leaving BU after two years as a star. The defenseman had 8 goals and 43 assists in 75 games. He also recently won the gold medal with Team USA at the 2017 World Junior Championships. He was drafted 14th overall by Boston in 2016.

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The 19-year-old will look to follow the same path that current Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo took. Carlo played in the AHL to end last season before joining Boston full time this year. Don Sweeney believes McAvoy has the tools to play in the NHL right now, but he’ll likely play out the season in Providence.

"“He has the attributes to be able to play in the NHL game right now. Absolutely. There’s a balancing act there."

The Bruins shouldn’t burn McAvoy’s first contract year with just a single game. Allowing him to develop in the AHL will get him ready for a full season in Boston next year.

Boston is still waiting on two more promising prospects. Center Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, or JFK, has yet to make his decision on his plans for next season after Boston University’s exit in the NCAA tournament. He may join his teammate McAvoy in Boston next season. The Bruins will also have to wait on winger Anders Bjork, who is still playing in the Frozen Four with Notre Dame.

Next: The New JFK

One thing is sure, the Bruins are loaded with strong prospects and the future looks wicked bright.