Edmonton Oilers: 'We Share In Our Fans' Frustration' Over McDavid Suspension

The Edmonton Oilers released a statement on Connor McDavid's three-game suspension.

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

"We support him through this process, and the organization and our fans look forward to having him back in the lineup versus Seattle next week."

McDavid, 28, cross-checked Vancouver Canucks right winger Conor Garland in the head in the final seconds of Saturday night's game. The NHL's Department of Player Safety noted Garland restrained McDavid but factored in the center's suspension history and the nature of the cross-check in suspending him for three games.

The NHL previously suspended McDavid for an illegal check to the head on New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy in 2019. NHL Player Safety also said McDavid turned around to face Garland with the puck at the half-wall before pulling back his stick with both hands and delivering a high cross-check with force.

Since the suspension, Oilers players have also spoken out.

Related: 'Sucks For Him, Good For Us': NHL Stars Speak Out On McDavid's Suspension

Center Leon Draisaitl said McDavid wasn't looking to tangle with Garland in that situation, and although the referees won't make the right call every time, he thinks the cross-check could've been avoided by penalizing Garland.

Right winger Corey Perry told Sportsnet that McDavid and superstar athletes in other sports are going to take extra abuse, but he said other leagues protect their superstars more.

Related: McDavid And Garland Incident Proves Obstruction Is Still Alive And Well

McDavid has 20 goals and 45 assists for 65 points in 43 games this season. The Oilers are one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division, and they have a game in hand.

Edmonton will be without McDavid for games against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday and the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.

The NHL also suspended Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers for three games for a separate cross-check on Oilers blueliner Evan Bouchard on Saturday, a 3-2 Canucks win. The Canucks have not released a statement on Myers' suspension.

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