Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, along with the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), has opted not to appeal his three-game suspension stemming from a cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland. This decision was reported by Greg Wyshynski of Moneyline, who noted that McDavid's camp determined that the appeal timeline would not facilitate his return to the ice in the immediate future.

The incident occurred during a tightly contested game between the Oilers and the Canucks on January 18, when Garland held McDavid in a defensive maneuver during the final seconds of the match. The frustration from this exchange culminated in McDavid delivering a cross-check, an action that resulted in him receiving a match penalty. The NHL's Department of Player Safety subsequently announced the suspension, along with a financial penalty of $195,312.51, which will be allocated to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

In the same game, Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also assessed a three-game suspension for cross-checking Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard shortly after the incident involving McDavid. Following the league's announcement of McDavid's suspension, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the challenges faced by the star player in dealing with aggressive defensive tactics. Knoblauch emphasized that McDavid often endures more physicality than the average player, stating that it is ironic that he does not draw more penalties given his significant puck possession during games. As of now, McDavid ranks fifth in the league in assists (45) and points (65), having netted 20 goals this season. His absence will be felt as he misses upcoming matchups against the Washington Capitals, Canucks, and Buffalo Sabres.