Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will miss the first six games of the 2026-27 NHL season due to a suspension handed down by the league following a playoff incident against the Buffalo Sabres, according to reporting by Conor Ryan of Boston.com. The Department of Player Safety disciplined McAvoy for slashing Sabres forward Zach Benson during a postseason matchup, a penalty that keeps the star blueliner out of the lineup for the Bruins’ opening-night matchup against the New York Rangers on Causeway Street.
NHL Suspension Details and the Appeal Process
The suspension stems from a May 1 incident during Boston’s season-ending playoff loss to Buffalo, according to Boston.com. Following an in-person hearing in New York City, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety imposed a six-game suspension on McAvoy. The discipline followed a chaotic sequence in the final minutes of a Game 6 defeat at TD Garden.
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McAvoy later appealed the decision, traveling for a hearing that required him to manage a broken hand suffered in Game 2 against Buffalo and additional dental work, as reported by Boston.com. Speaking to reporters at Warrior Ice Arena, McAvoy expressed mixed feelings about the league’s appeal process. “The reality of the situation is that you’re just at the mercy of whatever they decide,” McAvoy told reporters. “Did it change a thing? Was it worth the time? I don’t know. I got closure out of it, so I guess I respect that.” This marks the third suspension of McAvoy’s career, following previous bans in 2019 and 2023 for illegal checks to the head.
The Slew-Foot Incident and On-Ice Frustration
The altercation began with 91 seconds remaining in the Bruins’ 2025-26 season when Buffalo’s Zach Benson took McAvoy down with a slew-foot near the end boards. The play sent McAvoy crashing dangerously into the boards at full speed. While Benson received a tripping minor on the play, McAvoy jumped up and struck Benson in the arm with a two-handed slash, earning a five-minute major and a game misconduct.
“I thought that was extremely dangerous,” McAvoy said, according to Boston.com, pointing to the risk of broken bones in vulnerable board battles. “That was why I kind of snapped. If I didn’t have a broken hand, maybe I would have fought him… I lost my wits to a certain degree and I have regrets about that, certainly.” Benson did not face supplemental discipline from the league.
Impact on the Bruins Defensive Corps
Losing McAvoy for the start of the season creates a significant void for Boston’s blue line. Despite missing 13 games to injuries last year, McAvoy led the Bruins with 24 minutes and 23 seconds of average ice time while recording a career-high 61 points across 69 games, per Boston.com. McAvoy confirmed during captains’ practice that his offseason training ramped up successfully after his hand cast was removed, leaving his body feeling healthy ahead of his tenth season in Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Charlie McAvoy suspended?
According to Boston.com, McAvoy received a six-game suspension from the NHL for slashing Buffalo forward Zach Benson during Game 6 of their opening-round playoff series on May 1.
When will McAvoy return to the Bruins lineup?
According to Boston.com, McAvoy’s six-game suspension keeps him out of the lineup until after the start of the season, forcing him to miss the season opener against the New York Rangers on September 29.
Is this McAvoy’s first suspension?
No. According to Boston.com, this is the third suspension of McAvoy’s career, following previous bans in 2019 and 2023 for illegal checks to the head.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Boston’s early-season defensive pairings during training camp as the coaching staff adjusts to life without their top-ice-time defenseman for the first six contests.
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