Oilers’ Connor McDavid calls NHL’s move away from Pride-themed warmup jerseys ‘disappointing’

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The NHL’s decision to halt themed warmup jerseys is not sitting right with Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid. 

Following a season when a handful of players refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys, the NHL will move away from themed warmup jerseys next year. 

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers poses with the Hart Trophy during the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, June 26, 2023. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

"I certainly can’t speak for every organization. I know in Edmonton, we were one of the first teams to use the Pride tape," McDavid said Monday at the NHL’s award ceremony. "I know in Edmonton, in our dressing room, we strongly feel that hockey is for everybody. That includes the Pride nights and stuff like that. 

NHL PLAYERS WILL NOT WEAR PRIDE JERSEYS DURING WARM-UPS ANYMORE: 'KEEPING THE FOCUS ON THE GAME'

"Of course, it’s disappointing to see. With that being said, it’s certainly way, way above my decision. It’s not my call, but obviously, it’s disappointing to see."

While teams will still hold Pride nights and other themed events, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the themed jerseys will no longer be worn on the ice.

"I suggested that it would be appropriate for clubs not to change their jerseys in warm-ups because it's become a distraction and taking away from the fact that all of our clubs in some form or another host nights in honor of various groups or causes, and we'd rather them continue to get the appropriate attention that they deserve and not be a distraction," Bettman told SportsNet at the NHL Board of Governors meeting on Thursday.

Vancouver Canucks Pride Night jerseys hang in