McAvoy Faces 6+ Game Ban After Benson Slash
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- Charlie McAvoy was offered an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for slashing Zach Benson, meaning the Bruins defenseman could be suspended for six or more games to start next season
- McAvoy was ejected from Game 6 of Boston's first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres with 1:31 remaining, receiving a five-minute major and game misconduct as the Bruins trailed 4-1 and were eliminated after losing all three home games
- The slash came after Benson tripped McAvoy on an icing call — McAvoy skated directly at the Sabres forward and delivered a two-handed slash away from the puck, drawing an immediate response from the Buffalo bench, while Benson received a two-minute minor for tripping
- McAvoy has two prior suspensions: one game in the 2019 playoffs for an illegal check to the head of Josh Anderson, and four games in the 2023 regular season for an illegal check to the head of Oliver Ekman-Larsson — his most significant discipline to date
- Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff called the slash 'raw emotion,' adding that 'Charlie's a hell of a player' and 'anybody would want Charlie on his team' but conceded he 'probably went a little too far'
- McAvoy said after the game he believed he was slew-footed by Benson on the play that triggered the slash
Why it matters: The in-person hearing designation is reserved for suspensions of six or more games, putting McAvoy at risk of a significant ban. With a four-game suspension already on his record from 2023, the Bruins could open next season without their top defenseman, compounding an offseason already marked by a first-round playoff exit.
