“Doesn’t deserve any special treatment”- NHL fans react to Oilers statement on Connor McDavid’s suspension

By ARJUN B

Modified Jan 22, 2025 02:19 GMT

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The Edmonton Oilers released a statement supporting captain Connor McDavid after he received a three-game suspension for cross-checking Vancouver's Conor Garland during Saturday's game.

The Oilers' captain was assessed a match penalty for the check and an automatic hearing with the league, which resulted in the suspension.

In their statement, the Oilers said"

"The Oilers organization is disappointed and we share in our fans' frustration over the three-game suspension of our captain Connor McDavid. We support him through this process and the organization and our fans look forward to having him back in the lineup vs. Seattle next week."

Fans had stronger reactions on social media to the team's statement. One fan wrote:

"He hasn’t even won a cup, probably never will. Doesn’t deserve any special treatment… earn it first."

Another fan wrote:

"He cross checked someone in the face. Deal with it and move on"

Here are some additional fan reactions:

"It's not because he is Connor McDavid that his conduct on the ice should of not been penalized. He deserved this 3 games suspension," one fan wrote.

"Take it on the chin and move on Edmonton! Glad to see McJesus getting scrappy and fighting back. This is good!" another fan wrote.

"Mcdavid gets treated like a regular player in that situation and now they’re all crying about it," a user commented.

"I’m not saying McDavid is entitled to preferential treatment, but I do think he should be overlooked by the league when it comes to his conduct. He is a star and the league needs him," another user wrote.

McDavid accepted the suspension and didn’t appeal. He also hasn't made any public comments regarding the incident or suspension.

NHL Department of Player Safety official explanation on Connor McDavid’s suspension

The NHL's Department of Player Safety released an official video explanation for the three-game suspension of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

The league said:

"It is important to note that this is not a routine motion to box out an opponent or to gain body position. Having just been involved physically with Garland, McDavid retaliates aggressively and intentionally, escalating the altercation by raising his stick significantly and creating this contact, a high crosscheck that makes direct contact with an opponent's head with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline."

The Department of Player Safety determined the crosscheck was intentional and targeted the head area, warranting discipline under league rules.