--- title: "Bruins' McAvoy Suspended Six Games for Slashing Benson" description: "NHL hands down six-game ban to Boston's top defenseman, reshaping blue line and sparking debate on slashing crackdown." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bruins-charlie-mcavoy-suspended-six-games-for-slashing-sabr-mp390n49 published: 2026-05-16T12:05:06.743014+00:00 updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Bruins' McAvoy Suspended Six Games for Slashing Benson > NHL hands down six-game ban to Boston's top defenseman, reshaping blue line and sparking debate on slashing crackdown. Charlie McAvoy will miss the first six games of the 2026-27 NHL season after the league suspended him for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson in a late-season game. The incident occurred during a heated tilt, with McAvoy's stick catching Benson's hand, resulting in a major penalty and subsequent supplemental discipline. The Department of Player Safety cited a pattern of reckless stick work, noting McAvoy's history of fines and prior suspensions. The suspension leaves a massive hole on Boston's blue line. McAvoy, the Bruins' top-pairing defenseman, averages over 24 minutes per game and anchors both the power play and penalty kill. Without him, Boston will rely on Brandon Carlo and Hampus Lindholm to absorb tougher matchups, while younger players like Mason Lohrei face expanded roles. The Bruins' opening schedule includes games against Atlantic Division rivals Florida, Toronto, and Tampa Bay. This ban also reignites debate over the NHL's stricter enforcement of slashing. The league has increased supplemental discipline for stick infractions, with McAvoy's six games being the longest slashing suspension since the crackdown began. Critics argue the punishment is excessive for a play that didn't cause a major injury, while supporters point to the need to protect players from dangerous stick work. What's next: McAvoy will be eligible to return on October 28 against the Detroit Red Wings. The Bruins must navigate a critical early-season stretch without their defensive cornerstone, potentially falling behind in the tight Atlantic Division race. ## Why this matters McAvoy's suspension isn't just a six-game absence—it's a seismic shift for a Bruins team that relies on his elite two-way play. Boston's blue line, already thin after offseason departures, now faces a gauntlet of divisional foes without its anchor. The NHL's message is clear: slashing crackdowns have teeth, and even star players aren't immune. For a team with Cup aspirations, this could be the difference between home-ice advantage and a wild-card scramble. ## Frequently asked ### Why was Charlie McAvoy suspended for six games? McAvoy slashed Sabres forward Zach Benson on the hand during a late-season game. The NHL's Department of Player Safety ruled it a reckless, avoidable stick infraction, citing McAvoy's prior disciplinary record. ### When does McAvoy's suspension start? The suspension begins at the start of the 2026-27 regular season. McAvoy will miss the first six games, with his earliest return date set for October 28 against the Detroit Red Wings. ### How does this affect the Bruins' defense? Boston loses its top-pairing defenseman and power-play quarterback. Brandon Carlo and Hampus Lindholm will face tougher assignments, while younger players like Mason Lohrei must step up in expanded roles. ### Is the NHL cracking down on slashing? Yes. The league has increased supplemental discipline for slashing, with McAvoy's six-game ban being the longest since the stricter enforcement began. The focus is on reducing dangerous stick work. ## Sources & Citations - [Bruins' Charlie McAvoy Suspended Six Games For Slashing Sabres' Zach Benson](https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/bruins-charlie-mcavoy-suspended-six-games-for-slashing-sabres-zach-benson) — The Hockey News (2026-05-12) --- Cite: Bruins' McAvoy Suspended Six Games for Slashing Benson. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bruins-charlie-mcavoy-suspended-six-games-for-slashing-sabr-mp390n49