Bruins' McAvoy Faces In-Person Hearing for Slashing

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy faces a potential suspension of more than five games after the NHL Department of Player Safety scheduled an in-person hearing for him on May 11 at league headquarters in New York. The hearing stems from a slashing incident against Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during the final minutes of Boston's 4-1 playoff loss in Game 6 on Friday, which eliminated the Bruins from the Eastern Conference first round.

The play occurred with 1:31 remaining in the third period, as the Sabres protected their lead. McAvoy and Benson chased a loose puck near the boards when Benson tripped McAvoy from behind, sending him into the boards. McAvoy quickly rose, skated toward Benson and swung his stick at the forward's arm in a baseball-like motion. Officials assessed McAvoy a five-minute major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct, ejecting him from the game. Benson received a two-minute minor for tripping.

In-person hearings typically signal consideration of suspensions longer than five games, which would carry over to the start of the 2026-27 season since Boston's postseason has ended. Players can opt for a phone hearing instead, but McAvoy accepted the...