McAvoy Facing Player Safety Hearing After Slashing Incident in Bruins’ Playoff Exit

Written By Gina Anton

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is set to have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following a controversial slashing incident that occurred during Boston’s playoff elimination.

The league announced that McAvoy has been offered an in-person hearing, a step typically reserved for incidents that could result in a suspension of six games or more.

The play in question took place late in the third period of Game 6 in the Bruins’ first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres. After being tripped by Sabres forward Zach Benson while chasing a loose puck, McAvoy retaliated by getting to his feet and swinging his stick forcefully at Benson in a motion described as “baseball-like.”

Officials assessed McAvoy a five-minute major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct, immediately ejecting him from the game. The Bruins went on to lose 4–1, ending their postseason run.

Because Boston has been eliminated, any suspension handed down would be served at the start of the 2026–27 NHL season.

McAvoy appeared largely unconcerned about the potential discipline in postgame comments, noting the long offseason ahead. Still, the severity of the league’s response, offering an in-person hearing rather than a phone hearing, signals that supplemental discipline could be significant.

The 28-year-old defenseman remains a cornerstone of the Bruins’ lineup. He is coming off a strong season in which he posted a career-high 61 points and played a key role in Team USA’s recent international success.

Now, the focus shifts from on-ice performance to league discipline, as the NHL weighs how to respond to one of the most high-profile incidents of the postseason.