The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced on Monday that Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has received a three-game suspension for his cross-check on Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland during a recent matchup. In addition, Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also handed a matching three-game suspension for his cross-check on Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard that occurred in the aftermath of McDavid's incident. Both players were penalized during the game.

The suspension comes after a game that saw McDavid expressing visible frustration when Garland held him for an extended duration in the dying moments, contributing to a 3-2 victory for the Canucks. Following the altercation, McDavid received a match penalty for his actions against Garland. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the media following the announcement of the suspension, emphasizing the challenges McDavid faces on the ice.

Knoblauch noted, 'There was a lot of frustration. [McDavid] plays through a lot. Ironically, he doesn't draw very many penalties. Our team doesn't draw that many penalties for that matter, which is kind of ironic because we usually have the puck and the other team's defending more.' He further stated, 'He's under the microscope every time he's on the ice because he's dangerous. [Opponents] don't give him room, give him another shot, hold him a little bit, tug on his jersey, get in his way. All those little things that maybe could be called penalties, but maybe not.' With McDavid sidelined for the next three contests, the Oilers lose a critical asset as they aim to secure their position in the Western Conference’s Pacific Division. McDavid currently ranks fourth in the NHL with 65 points and 45 assists this season, solidifying his role as a key offensive player. The Oilers are currently tied with the Vegas Golden Knights at the top of their division, looking to return to the Stanley Cup Finals after narrowly missing the championship in the previous season.