The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Saturday that Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been offered an in-person hearing for his slash on Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson.
The incident occurred late in the third period of Friday night’s Game 6 at TD Garden. Following a slew-foot trip from Benson. McAvoy retaliated by chasing Benson down and delivering a "baseball-swing" style slash to the arm.
Boston’s Charlie McAvoy has been offered an in-person hearing for slashing Buffalo’s Zach Benson. Date and time TBD.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 2, 2026
McAvoy was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct from the officials on the ice, and now faces a hearing from the Department of Player Safety with the likelihood of receiving supplemental discipline from the league.
By offering an in-person hearing, the NHL has signaled that the suspension could exceed five games. Because the Bruins were eliminated from the postseason with the 4-1 loss to Buffalo, any suspension handed down to McAvoy will be served at the start of the 2026-27 regular season.
McAvoy’s history will likely play a role in the final ruling. The 28-year-old was previously suspended for four games in 2023 for an illegal check to the head and received a one-game ban in 2019.