BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins skates during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at the TD Garden on October 26, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Ducks won 4-3 in overtime.

McAvoy suspended 4 games for hit to Ekman-Larsson's head

3 years ago

Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended four games for an illegal check to the head on Florida Panthers rearguard Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.

The hit occurred in Monday's contest. McAvoy was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct.

McAvoy gets a well-deserved misconduct.

Match penalty for an illegal check to the head on OEL. pic.twitter.com/EYa1NXVHka
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 31, 2023

Ekman-Larsson did not return after the collision. Boston ultimately won the playoff rematch 3-2 in overtime.

McAvoy is off to a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign, as he's registered eight points in nine games while averaging nearly 24 minutes per contest. He occupies the right side of the Bruins' top defensive pairing and has played a key role in the club's 8-0-1 start.

He had been suspended once in his seven-year career prior to Monday's decision, a one-game ban for a hit to the head of then-Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson in the 2019 postseason.

McAvoy is eligible to return to the ice Nov. 11 against the Montreal Canadiens.