Oilers' Connor McDavid receives three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland

The NHL announced on Monday that Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (28) has been suspended for three games due to a cross-check against Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (28) during the game on Sunday.

McDavid received a match penalty and was subsequently ejected from the contest, which the Oilers lost with a score of 3-2. Additionally, Canucks forward Tyler Myers (34) has also been suspended for three games for a similar infraction. Match penalties are imposed on players who demonstrate a clear intent to injure an opponent.

As a result of this incident, McDavid will forfeit $195,312.51, with the funds directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

“I was just holding him. He’s the best player to ever play the game. Time was running out, and I thought that was perhaps the best way for us to secure a victory,” Garland stated. “I have no intention of causing him harm.”

“I took a hit to the head, prompting our team to respond in defense. That’s what strong teams do,” he added.

Following McDavid's exit from the ice, Garland and Oilers center Leon Draisaitl engaged in a heated exchange. However, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch attributed this to the intensity of the rivalry and the emotions involved.

“Certainly, there is a rivalry, and Connor becomes frustrated. He raises his stick out of frustration because we are trailing by one goal, and the league's best player is being held for an extended period,” Knoblauch explained. “Frustration is a natural response, and that’s how the situation unfolded.”

The Oilers are scheduled to play against the Washington Capitals on January 21st, followed by a matchup with Vancouver on January 23rd, and then the Buffalo Sabres on January 25th.