NHL Suspends McAvoy Six Games for Slashing Benson

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy for six games of the 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.

The incident occurred at 18:29 of the third period in Boston's 4-1 loss that eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs. With the Sabres leading and the outcome decided, McAvoy and Benson raced for a puck near the boards. Benson's skate tripped McAvoy, sending him crashing into the end boards. Officials assessed Benson a minor penalty for tripping. McAvoy then skated after Benson, raised his stick with both hands and delivered a violent slash to Benson's arm, drawing a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct.

The league's explainer video described the slash as McAvoy using his stick as a weapon in retribution outside of active play. Officials noted that a prior infraction by an opponent does not excuse retaliation. McAvoy attended an in-person hearing Monday in New York, which allowed for a suspension of six or more games. He will forfeit more than $300,000 in salary.

This marks the third suspension of McAvoy's nine-year NHL career. He...