Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has been suspended three games for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland in the head.
Late in the Canucks’ 3-2 win over the Oilers on Saturday, McDavid and Garland found themselves tied in a scrum.
After being tangled for a few seconds, McDavid got up and slashed Garland on the side of the head with his stick. The Oilers star was quickly ejected from the game with a match penalty for intent to injure.
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, battles Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, #8, in the third period at Rogers Arena. (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)
McDavid had a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Monday, and shortly after the hearing, McDavid’s suspension was announced.
Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also suspended three games for his actions during that same scrimmage between McDavid and Garland.
Myers cross-checked Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard in the face during the scuffle after the whistle.
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, battles Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, #8, in the third period at Rogers Arena. (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)
This is the second time McDavid has been suspended in his 10-year career. He was suspended two games in 2019 for an illegal head check.
The suspension will cost McDavid $195,312 in salary over the next three games. He was previously fined $5,000 for elbowing a player in 2021.
The Oilers won’t have McDavid for their game against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, their rematch against the Canucks on Thursday and when they host the Buffalo Sabers on Saturday.
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, during a stoppage in play against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)
McDavid is eligible to return to the lineup next Monday when the Oilers face the Seattle Kraken.
McDavid was sensational, as he has been throughout his career, this season. The three-time Hart Trophy (regular season MVP winner) has 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) in 43 games this season.
The Oilers are 29-14-3 and second in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
