Charlie McAvoy is a star in the making

The Boston Bruins have a strong history of impactful defensemen, with players like Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, and Zdeno Chara anchoring the blue line for nearly forty years combined. But it's possible that we may be witnessing the rise of another Bruins legend.

At age 23, Charlie McAvoy has already become one of the best young defensemen in the game. And after Chara became a member of the Washington Capitals, McAvoy carried the mantle as the Bruins top d-man for all of this past season. Thus far in the playoffs, he has logged more time on ice than any other Bruin.

His stats don't necessarily "wow" you yet, but I have a feeling they will in the future as he continues to mature. In time, such progression could land him in Norris Trophy discussions. (He did receive some Norris votes last season) For now, though, he is doing just what the Bruins need him to do. He is dynamite on the kill, is able to take and deliver hits with poise, and contributes on the power play with eight points this season on the advantage.

The Long Island native seems to have made an impression on the rest of the league as well, and is frequently lauded on the national broadcasts. Likewise, he seems to rise to occasion, whether it be on that macro-scale following Chara's departure or on the micro-scale when the B's need to avoid a late period surge from an opponent.

Sure, playing with cerebral and experienced skaters like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci has helped his game flourish this season, but it's difficult to think he hasn't helped their game too. That's what stars do, and that's what Charlie McAvoy has done.