NHL Suspends Connor McDavid Three Games for Cross-Checking Conor Garland

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid has been suspended for three games by the NHL for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland during Sunday's game.

The National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid for three games following a cross-checking incident involving Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland during Sunday's game. McDavid received a match penalty and was ejected from the game, which the Oilers ultimately lost 3-2. Garland shared his perspective on the incident, saying, “I'm just holding him. I mean, he's the best player to ever do it. So, the time's running out. And I just thought that was maybe the best way for us to win a game was to do that. I don't want to hurt him.”

Breaking: Oilers captain, Connor McDavid, has been suspended for three games for cross-checking Conor Garland, NHL Player Safety announced on Monday. pic.twitter.com/7Mqs5o5rC6

— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2025

The cross-checking incident led to a heated exchange between Garland and Oilers center Leon Draisaitl after McDavid left the ice. However, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch attributed the tension to a heated rivalry and tempers flaring. Knoblauch explained, “Absolutely, there's a rivalry and Connor gets frustrated. He gets his stick up, and he's frustrated because we're down one goal and the best player in the league is getting held for 15 seconds. And there's frustration that's allowed to happen, and the stick got up, and yeah, so that's what happened.”

As a result of the suspension, McDavid will forfeit $195,312.51, which will be directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. The Oilers will face the Washington Capitals on January 21st, followed by a rematch against the Vancouver Canucks on January 23rd, and then a game against the Buffalo Sabres on January 25th. Canucks' forward Tyler Myers also received a three-game suspension for a similar incident. Match penalties, like the one given to McDavid, are typically reserved for players who demonstrate clear intent to injure another player.