Edmonton Oilers make decision on appealing Connor McDavid suspension
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Moments ago, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that the Edmonton Oilers have decided not to appeal Connor McDavid's three game suspension.
Connor McDavid was given an automatic hearing and a three game suspension for his cross check on Conor Garland in the Oilers game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Oilers and McDavid make decision not to appeal suspension to Player Safety
NHL players have the ability to make an appeal to Gary Bettman on suspensions dished out by Player Safety.
However, the commissioner has often taken the stance of backing the league department, which steered McDavid away from an appeal according to TSN's Ryan Rishaug.
The suspension seems harsh, being significantly more than the precedent set by Auston Matthews and Carson Soucy's suspensions. McDavid deserved to be suspended, but 2 games would've been more appropriate.
Could Connor McDavid Respond to NHL's Suspension?
Still, Connor McDavid may have a method of fighting back against the NHL - not just for this suspension, but for the lack of protection and penalties drawn by star players.
According to the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, a source that's accurately broken Oilers news this season, McDavid may scale back his league appearances to put pressure on the NHL to make changes with officiating.
We are hearing that Connor McDavid & his camp are strongly considering scaling back their NHL tour events, such as media interviews to push things for the league.
This was communicated before to the NHL because the lack of protection the Superstar players get in this league.
This was communicated before to the NHL because the lack of protection the Superstar players get in this league.
This season, Connor McDavid ranks 197th in the NHL in drawing penalties per 60 minutes of ice time. He's also on pace to draw half as many penalties as last season, and far below any other year.
McDavid is right to call out poor officiating not just for himself, but for other star players around the league. Perhaps with the NHL's most talented players motivated to make a change, NHL refereeing could actually change.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21 | 1016 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers make decision on appealing Connor McDavid suspension Do you think Connor McDavid will affect change with NHL referees if he pressures the league? | ||
| Yes | 605 | 59.5 % |
| No | 411 | 40.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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