The National Hockey League announced Saturday that Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will face a disciplinary hearing with the Department of Player Safety following a stick-swinging incident during Friday’s playoff elimination.
The 28-year-old defenseman was ejected from Boston’s season-ending 4-1 defeat to Buffalo in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round series after receiving a major slashing penalty and game misconduct.
The controversial play unfolded with 1:31 remaining in the final period when Buffalo’s Zach Benson tripped McAvoy while both players pursued a loose puck. After getting back on his feet, McAvoy rushed toward Benson and swung his stick in a baseball bat-like motion at the opposing player.
Following the elimination loss, McAvoy appeared unconcerned about potential league discipline when asked by reporters.
“I don’t play another game until September,” McAvoy said. “Can’t imagine it really matters much.”
The NHL’s decision to offer an in-person hearing indicates McAvoy could face a suspension of six games or longer, as the league typically handles shorter penalties through phone conferences. Players have the option to decline face-to-face meetings and conduct proceedings by phone instead. The specific hearing date has not yet been announced.
Since Boston’s season has concluded, any punishment would carry over to the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
This season marked a career year for McAvoy, who tallied 61 points with 11 goals across 69 regular season games. He contributed two assists during the Buffalo series.
Throughout his nine-year career with Boston, McAvoy has accumulated 71 goals and 361 points in 573 regular season contests. His playoff statistics include six goals and 50 points over 97 postseason games.
McAvoy recently represented Team USA at the Winter Olympics, helping secure the gold medal in what marked the nation’s first men’s Olympic hockey championship since the memorable 1980 triumph at Lake Placid.
