Oilers star McDavid handed 3-game suspension for cross-check

The NHL has suspended Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid for three games for his cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland.

McDavid was given a match penalty late in the Canucks' 3-2 win over Edmonton on Saturday in Vancouver when he slammed his stick into Garland's head.

The penalty came after McDavid and Garland got tangled up and fell to the ice, with the Vancouver winger grabbing McDavid to prevent Edmonton's captain from getting back into the play.

McDavid has been suspended 3 games for this cross check on Connor Garland. Thoughts? <a href="https://t.co/eBvP3Yrina">pic.twitter.com/eBvP3Yrina</a>

In a video explaining the suspension, the NHL's Department of Player Safety said McDavid retaliated against Garland "aggressively and intentionally, escalating the altercation by raising his stick significantly."

It's the second career suspension for McDavid. He received a two-game ban in February 2019 for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenceman Nick Leddy.

Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers was also suspended three games for cross-checking Edmonton defenceman Evan Bouchard in the head.

EDM VAN G46. January 18, 2025. Tyler Myers cross checks Evan Bouchard.