Charlie McAvoy To Miss Start of Next Season With Lengthy Suspension

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 ,

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will miss the beginning of next season, after a vicious slash to the body of Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson in the final game of their first round series. NHL Player Safety announced that McAvoy has been suspended six games, which he will serve at the beginning of next season.

After raising his stick over his head and swinging it violently and striking Benson in the arm, McAvoy received a major penalty and a game misconduct. Now, he'll be out another six games to start 2026-27.

"All parties agree that this is an intentional and forceful strike delivered to an opponent's body specifically for the purpose of retribution... using his stick as a weapon," said DoPS in its ruling. 

The Sabres were just 90 seconds away from victory in Game 6 of their series with Boston when the incident occured. The game, and the series, had been decided. Many will argue that Benson initiated the altercation with a slew-foot move on McAvoy into the end boards, and it's hard to argue that point. But the violent baseball swing that the Bruins d-man came at him with is the act that earns the suspension. 

Benson, fortunately, was not injured and went on to record three points in the first two games of the Sabres' second-round series with the Montreal Canadiens. He has six points overall in Buffalo's nine playoff games. 

As for McAvoy, the Bruins will be without their top defenseman to start next season. He recorded a career-high 50 assists and 61 points in 69 games this past regular season.

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