Less than a month after taking a slap shot straight to the jaw, Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is back in Boston’s lineup.

After an arduous rehab process that included facial surgery, a plate inserted into his jaw, and significant weight loss, the 27-year-old defenseman was activated off injured reserve and cleared to play in the Bruins’ road game against Winnipeg on Thursday.

“Just to see him out there, just the presence alone he brings on the ice and off the ice, in the locker room, it’s just a lot. I can see it, we can feel it,” Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said Thursday morning of McAvoy’s return. “It is nice to have him back. Seeing that smile on his face, it’s been a while. It’s been a tough road for him. He is our leader, so it is nice to have him back.”

McAvoy, who was init

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