The Boston Bruins will have to start the season without one of their key defensemen, as Charlie McAvoy has been handed a six-game suspension by the NHL's Department of Player Safety (DoPS). The decision, announced on Tuesday, stems from an incident during the final minutes of the Bruins' season on May 1, when McAvoy retaliated against Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson with a slash to the arm. The play occurred with just 91 seconds left on the clock, following a slewfoot from Benson that the league deemed "dangerous."

This marks McAvoy's third suspension in his NHL career, raising questions about consistency in discipline under DoPS head George Parros. Since Parros took over as Senior Vice President in September 2017, there have been 243 suspensions—though not all were for on-ice actions, as seen with cases involving John Chayka, Shane Pinto, or Valeri Nichushkin. Of those, only 26 have been for six games or more, making McAvoy the fifth player to receive exactly a six-game ban under Parros.

For context, the last player to receive a six-game suspension was Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson in March 2024. Wilson's ban came after he struck then-Leafs forward Noah Gregor in the face with his stick following a hit, a play the NHL called "reckless" and "irresponsible." Wilson, who has been suspended six times in his career, was cited for having full control of his stick during the incident.

Another notable six-game suspension was handed to Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron in December 2023. Perron cross-checked Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub after a play that left Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin injured on the ice. The DoPS ruled it "not a hockey play," noting that both players were not mutually engaged. Despite Perron having no prior suspension history, he received the six-game ban, which he appealed without success.

For Bruins fans, McAvoy's suspension is a tough blow to start the season. As a top-pairing defenseman, his absence will be felt on the blue line, especially in the physical battles that define early-season hockey. The league's message is clear: retaliatory actions, even in response to dangerous plays, will not be tolerated. As the Bruins prepare for life without McAvoy, the question remains—what else warrants a six-game suspension under George Parros?