Deserved?: NHL Levels Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy with Hefty Suspension

Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended for six games after slashing Buffalo Sabres left winger Zach Benson in game six during the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs between the Sabres and Bruins.

McAvoy Will Serve the Suspension During the 2026-27 Season

As the Bruins have been eliminated from the postseason, McAvoy will serve his suspension at the start of the 2026–27 NHL regular season. The incident occurred late in the game, with the Sabres holding a commanding 4–1 lead en route to eliminating Boston.

In the dying moments of the third period, as the puck was moving up the ice, Benson tripped McAvoy into the boards. While the play wasn’t ideal from Benson and a slew foot is considered one of the dirtiest plays in hockey, McAvoy lost his cool and responded by charging at him, raising his stick over his head in what appeared to be an attempt to injure. The sequence ultimately led to both teams converging in a heated scrum.

The NHL Department of Player Safety Statement Regarding the Incident

The NHL Department of Player Safety explained that the decision was influenced by the fact that both the game and the series were already decided at that point.

“It is important to note that players are not excused from illegal acts just because of a prior foul by an opponent. It is also important to note that McAvoy travels some distance to purposefully track down an opponent and seek retribution by using his stick as a weapon,” the NHL DoPS said on Tuesday.