Bruins' Charlie McAvoy Ejected for Violently Slashing Sabres Player Zach Benson in Retaliation for Illegal Trip

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, 28, was ejected from the May 1, 2026 NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres after retaliating against Sabres forward Zach Benson, 20, with a violent two-handed slash across Benson's torso. The incident occurred late in the third period after Benson had illegally tripped McAvoy with his left leg as he raced toward the puck. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff commented on the severity of the slash, saying 'You don't want to see a guy take a chop like that at somebody else.'