Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended six games for a slash to Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson.
The incident occurred in the closing seconds of Game 6 of the two teams’ first-round playoff series.
With the Bruins trailing 4-1, both McAvoy and Benson raced towards a puck deep in the Boston zone that was going for icing. Benson appeared to slew-foot McAvoy and send him crashing into the boards. An irate McAvoy got up and wildly swung his stick at Benson as a fracas between the two teams ensued.
The Sabres went on to win the game and win the series.
McAvoy, 28, had two assists in the six-game series. A native of Long Beach, NY, McAvoy has spent his entire 10-year career with the Bruins. In 69 games this season, he registered 11 goals and a career-high 61 points.
Internationally, McAvoy has represented the United States on numerous occasions and was a member of the team that won gold at this past February’s Milano Cortina Olympics.
McAvoy will serve his suspension at the beginning of the 2026-2027 season.
