Oilers’ Connor McDavid suspended three games for cross-checking Canucks’ Conor Garland

One of the best players in the world is going to be missing time due to his recent actions.

On Monday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid has been suspended three games for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland.

It’s the second time in McDavid’s career that he’s been suspended. He received a two-game ban in Feb. 2019 after hitting defenseman Nick Leddy, then with the New York Islanders in the head. He was also fined $5,000 in March 2021 as well.

The incident happened in the waning moments of Saturday night’s game between the Pacific Division rivals. The Oilers were desperately trying to find the tying goal when Garland and McDavid collided. It led to a wrestling match between the two players in the slot that persisted for a few moments. It led to an angry McDavid cross-checking Garland up high, which led to an even bigger donnybrook between the two teams.

McDavid was given a match penalty for the act, with Garland receiving a two-minute minor for roughing. In all, 52 penalty minutes were handed out due to the melee.

The Canucks hung on to win the game, 3-2.

McDavid was already in hot water for what happened last week. The Newmarket native gave Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson an apparent concussion after McDavid caught him with a high on Wednesday.

McDavid will be eligible to return to the lineup next Monday when Edmonton hosts the Seattle Kraken.

Through 43 games, McDavid has scored 20 goals and 45 assists for 65 points, sitting second on the team in scoring.

The Oilers (29-14-3) are scheduled to host Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, with a rematch against Vancouver this coming Thursday. Edmonton is tied for first in the Pacific with the Vegas Golden Knights.