NHL Player Safety reviewing Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy lengthy NHL suspension after slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson

The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety is reviewing a controversial slash by Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy on Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The incident was a big part of the NHL news roundup, and reports are that McAvoy will be suspended for a long time.The play occurred during a heated playoff game between the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, when Zach Benson seemed to be hit hard with a two-handed slash from Charlie McAvoy. The disciplinary review could affect the Bruins’ defensive group next season and is one of the biggest NHL updates this week.The Boston Bruins and Charlie McAvoy await an official ruling from the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety after the playoff incident involving Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson.The controversial moment came in the heat of a postseason battle when McAvoy threw a retaliatory slash that immediately drew reactions from fans, analysts and former NHL players. League disciplinary procedures indicate that an in-person hearing means a player faces a possible suspension of more than five games, leading to speculation on the ultimate punishment.The Boston Bruins are already dealing with disappointment after their playoff loss to the Buffalo Sabres, and the latest NHL update just adds to the ongoing uncertainty for the franchise. Charlie McAvoy is still one of the Bruins’ most important defensemen, playing a huge role on both special teams and at even strength throughout the NHL season.Boston could start next season without one of its top blue-line players if the suspension is six games or more. That decision could also have implications for how NHL Player Safety handles future retaliatory incidents in high-stakes playoff games.Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres fans came out in defense of Zach Benson following the incident, and some Boston Bruins fans said the talk of punishment could get out of hand, given the physicality of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey.The NHL Player Safety ruling should be out soon and could be one of the most talked-about NHL offseason news stories.