Boston Bruins‘ defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been handed a four-game suspension by NHL Player Safety following an illegal check to the head of Florida Panthers‘ defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson on Monday.
This suspension will see McAvoy missing out on four games without pay.
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The incident, which resulted in a match penalty for McAvoy, led to a hearing to discuss the illegality of the check to the head/interference on Ekman-Larsson.
Following the hearing, the NHL took swift action, sidelining McAvoy until November 11, when he will be eligible to return against Montreal.
This suspension serves as a stark reminder of the NHL’s commitment to player safety, ensuring that actions which endanger the well-being of players on ice are met with strict disciplinary measures. The absence of McAvoy, a key player in the Bruins’ defense, is expected to be felt deeply by his team as they navigate the next four games without him.
The reactions to the suspension have been mixed, with some arguing that the punishment was warranted, while others believe it to be harsh.
What are NHL fans saying about the Charlie McAvoy suspension?
Great job NHL player safety! Hand out those suspensions and maybe the hits that can cause career ending injuries will slow down.
What a disgrace. 4 games for a clean hit. What has the NHL become?
4 games is a bit much, but NHL player safety seems to be handing out tougher suspensions this year.
