Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy to have in-person hearing May 11 over slash

Field Level Media|published: Mon 4th May, 21:12 2026

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins

Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) clears the puck against Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (6) during the second period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will have an in-person hearing on May 11 at NHL headquarters in New York related to his slashing penalty on the Buffalo Sabres' Zach Benson.

The date was set Monday, and the fact that it is an in-person hearing means the league's Department of Player Safety is considering a suspension longer than five games.

The Bruins' season ended Friday with a Game 6 loss to the Sabres in the first round, so McAvoy's potential suspension would be served at the beginning of next season.

The incident with 1:31 left in the third period occurred after Benson tripped McAvoy as the two chased after a loose puck. McAvoy got up and charged toward Benson and swung his stick like a baseball bat at Benson.

McAvoy had a career-high 61 points and had 11 goals in 69 games this season. He had two assists in the series against Buffalo.

Overall, McAvoy has 71 goals and 361 points in 573 games over nine seasons with the Bruins. He has six goals and 50 points in 97 career playoff games.

--Field Level Media

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