Charlie McAvoy Talks Six-Game Suspension, Bruins Captaincy
The Boston Bruins took to the practice rink at Warrior Ice Arena on Thursday morning for one last captains’ practice […]
On the final practice before training camp, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy faced a six-game suspension handed down for slashing an opponent's head during a game. The incident, which occurred on the final day of the 2025-26 season, involved McAvoy intentionally striking Buffalo's Zach Benson with his stick while both players were near the boards.
McAvoy described the act as dangerous, citing the risks of head injuries when players collide with the boards at full speed. The NHL's Department of Player Safety upheld the suspension after McAvoy pleaded his case during an in-person hearing, expressing regret for his actions but emphasizing the league's final say in disciplinary matters.
Despite the suspension, McAvoy acknowledged the closure he felt after the hearing and the limited friction he expects if Marco Sturm is named captain. The two leading candidates for the captaincy role are David Pastrnak and McAvoy himself, both of whom have expressed mutual respect for each other's contributions to the team's culture.
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