Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is in the midst of a three-game suspension for cross-checking an opponent in the face. However, that didn’t stop him from talking to the media Wednesday, Jan. 22, about the punishment or the state of officiating in the NHL.
After a 90-minute practice, McDavid called his three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Connor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks “a bit harsh,” adding he’s come to terms with the league’s decision.
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“Obviously, there’s lots of holding and holding down –– he holds my head down for a little bit –– but I can’t have that reaction, I know that. Everyone knows that,” said McDavid. “Not the reaction that I’m proud of or that anyone wants to see out of me, and I understand that.”
Connor McDavid was issued a match penalty on this play for cross-checking Conor Garland. pic.twitter.com/sB2Gpb3xAA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 19, 2025
McDavid is arguably the best player in the NHL, and multiple questions about his suspension quickly morphed into a discussion with the media on whether officials are calling the game correctly. McDavid walked a fine line between voicing his concerns and criticizing the referees.
“I think everybody as players across the league, not just me, not just guys in this room, just want to see the game called,” McDavid said. “A penalty in the first is a penalty in the third, a penalty in October is a penalty in April. Guys just want that standard, want that consistency, I would say. I would say that’s a big part of it is just the consistency, which is tough to ask for. It goes from game to game, ref to ref.”
When asked about his team specifically, ranked 27th in the league in penalties earned despite a host of superstar players on its roster, McDavid continued his diplomatic stance.
“In our game, usually if you have the puck, you’re going to draw more penalties. We’ve got the puck a lot. We attack the net a lot, it feels like. It feels like maybe we could draw a couple more. But –– you want me to say it again, or not say it again? –– I’ve got a lot of respect for the refs.” McDavid said.
The four-time all-star is currently fourth in the NHL in scoring with 65 points in 43 games. He’ll sit out two more games –– Thursday against Vancouver and Saturday against Buffalo –– before returning Jan. 27 vs. Seattle. He’s being docked $195,000 in salary during the suspension.
