‘We share in our fans’ frustration’: Oilers issue statement on Connor McDavid’s suspension

Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Edmonton Oilers released a statement Tuesday sharing their disappointment in the NHL Department of Player Safety’s decision to issue a three-game suspension to captain Connor McDavid.

“The Oilers organization is disappointed and we share in our fans’ frustration over the three-game suspension of our captain Connor McDavid,” the statement reads. “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.”

McDavid’s suspension comes following Saturday’s 3-2 road loss to the Pacific Division rival Vancouver Canucks that saw the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner cross-check Canucks right winger Conor Garland during a late third-period melee. McDavid was issued a match penalty as a result of the infraction, as was Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers for his subsequent cross-check on Oilers rearguard Evan Bouchard. Myers also received a three-game suspension.

While the Oilers’ organization voiced its disapproval Tuesday, so did a number of the team’s players, including center Leon Draisaitl, who told reporters, “I certainly think three games is a little too much, for either side, but I guess we don’t overly care about having our best players in the league in the game.”

Added veteran right winger Corey Perry, per Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, “Why aren’t we protecting the superstars? Every other league does it – [Patrick] Mahomes, Lebron [James] … They protect their superstars.”

Earlier Tuesday, the Oilers elected not to challenge the suspension through the NHL’s appeals process, per Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

In recording 65 points counting 20 goals and 45 assists through 43 games this season, McDavid sits second in team scoring behind Draisaitl and fifth-place league-wide. Despite his three-game banishment, the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner is en route to another impressive campaign following four-straight seasons in which he has exceeded 100-plus points.

The Oilers return to the ice Tuesday to take on the NHL-leading Washington Capitals before Thursday’s rematch against the Canucks. Edmonton then faces the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday before McDavid is eligible to return to the lineup January 27 against the Seattle Kraken.