What happened
NHL Player Safety announced Tuesday that Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended six regular-season games for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson. The incident occurred at the close of their first-round playoff series. The suspension will be served at the start of the 2026-27 regular season.
Why it matters
Six games is a heavy supplemental discipline for a stick-swinging incident and signals the league's continued emphasis on cracking down on dangerous stick infractions. Losing McAvoy, Boston's top-pair defenseman and minutes-leader on the blue line, for the opening stretch of next season is a meaningful blow to the Bruins' early-season outlook and special teams. The penalty carries forward from a playoff series that already saw Boston eliminated by Buffalo.
What to watch
Watch for Boston's defensive depth chart adjustments heading into training camp and whether the NHLPA files an appeal of the ruling. McAvoy's eligibility return date will be set once the 2026-27 schedule is finalized.