Two cornerstones of the Boston Bruins are getting their first taste of Olympic preparation.
Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman were among the 44 players invited to Team USA’s camp ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. The two-day session, scheduled for Aug. 26-27 in Plymouth, Michigan, will focus on meetings and team-building rather than on-ice drills.
McAvoy is already locked in. The defenseman was one of the first six players officially named to the U.S. roster, joining Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes. His reputation as one of the NHL’s most reliable two-way blueliners made him an easy choice, and he will again be leaned on in international play.
Swayman enters camp with more to prove. The goaltender was not part of the initial group but stands among the favorites to secure one of three roster spots.
The battle for the crease will feature Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger, both considered elite American netminders. Even so, Swayman’s résumé gives him every reason to belong in the conversation.
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While the Bruins endured a turbulent 2024-25 season, Swayman’s broader body of work remains strong. Since his first full year in 2021-22, he has consistently ranked among the league’s leaders in save percentage and goals-against average.
His standout performance at the IIHF World Championship last spring, when he went 7-0 with a 1.69 GAA and .921 save percentage, only bolstered his claim.
The camp will serve as a first step in building cohesion for a roster loaded with star power. McAvoy is already penciled in as a pillar on defense, and Swayman has a chance to establish himself as a trusted option in net.
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For both players, the opportunity is a reflection of where they stand in the game today.
The Bruins will be well represented on the Olympic stage.