Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended six games for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the waning minutes of Boston's season-ending loss to Buffalo in Game 6 of Round 1 on May 1, when McAvoy two-handed Benson after getting slew-footed.
BENSON SLEW-FOOTS MCAVOY… AND HE RETALIATES WITH A BASEBALL SWING 😳 pic.twitter.com/oZpf9tm4U9
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 2, 2026
McAvoy received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the play. Benson was handed a two-minute minor for tripping and no further supplemental discipline.
With the Bruins eliminated, McAvoy will serve his suspension to begin the 2026-27 regular season. However, the punishment is subject to appeal.
Six games is the longest suspension in the NHL this season for an on-ice incident. It's also the longest suspension for an on-ice incident since Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman was banned 10 games for roughing Ottawa Senators star Tim Stutzle in February 2025.
McAvoy, who earns an average of $9.5 million per season, will forfeit roughly $300,000 in salary for the suspension.
This marks the third suspension of McAvoy's career. He was previously banned for four games for an illegal check to the head in 2023 and one game for an illegal check to the head in 2019.
McAvoy recorded a career-high 61 points in 69 games in 2025-26.
