Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Charlie McAvoy’s absence during practice on Monday was due to a previously scheduled doctors appointment. Little did anyone know — outside of the Bruins organization — that the talented rookie defenseman was undergoing a heart procedure to treat an abnormal heart rhythm.

Fortunately for McAvoy, who was diagnosed with a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) following the Bruins-Oilers contest on Nov. 26, things are looking up as he was released from Mass General Hospital on Tuesday.

“As the release stated yesterday, Charlie had a procedure done and resting comfortably. I think he’s actually been released from the hospital,” Cassidy said at Warrior Ice Arena following the Bruins optional skate on Tuesday. “[He’s] doing very well, everything went well. My concern and our concern as an organization is obviously his health going forward.”

There’s more good news for McAvoy. Though the condition can reoccur at different times and cause significant symptoms, the overall prognosis isn’t considered serious according to Bruins Team Internist Dr. David Finn.

McAvoy, who will miss at least the last two games against New Jersey (Tuesday at TD Garden) and Ottawa (Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre) before the All-Star break, is expected to recover in two weeks.

“I think if any guy is going to reassure you that he’s going to be okay, it’s him,” Brandon Carlo, who will fill McAvoy’s void on the top defensive pair with Zdeno Chara, said Tuesday. “He’s got a positive attitude at all times and he’s a great guy both on and off the ice, so we really just want to be there for him.”

“You never want to wish that upon anybody,” fellow ex-Boston University standout Matt Grzelcyk added. “It’s tough to see him have to go through that, but I’m sure that he’ll be able to come back strong and ready to go.”

The Bruins haven’t had to deal with significant injuries for the past couple of months, but this one will leave a big void on the blueline. Here’s a look at the projected defensive pairings:

Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug-Adam McQuaid
Matt Grzelcyk-Kevan Miller

Keep it here on Bruins Daily for ongoing McAvoy developments and an outlook on the upcoming Bruins-Devils matchup.