The Edmonton Oilers will be without Connor McDavid for their next three games after the NHL suspended the superstar forward following an illegal cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland on Saturday.

On Monday (Jan. 20), the NHL announced that Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has been suspended three games for cross-checking Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl met with the media for the first time since news of McDavid's suspension broke, and the superstar gave a classic sassy comment on the state of NHL refereeing.

The Edmonton Oilers aren't taking the Connor McDavid suspension well, and now, top star Leon Draisaitl has fired back at the NHL with a major statement.

Draisaitl is expected to be a core piece for the Oilers for the foreseeable future. He signed an eight-year, $112 million contract ($14 million average annual value) starting next season and is currently in the final season of an eight-year, $68 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) signed prior to the 2017-2018 season.

McDavid received the supplemental discipline after cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland late in Saturday's game

Here are the report cards for the first half Oilers in 2024-25.

For the second straight game, the Oilers fell just short of a comeback, falling 3-2 to the league-leading Washington Capitals. Connor McDavid 's absence was acutely felt, especially on the powerplay as the Oilers' attack was flat and lifeless.

The entire post-game interview lasted a brisk 1:16. Draisaitl may have given a more "pissy" response in the past. This was notably calm and collected despite his obvious disappointment in the game's end results. This is a statement of Draisaitl's growth and maturity. He doesn't get too high when they win, and he doesn't get too low when they lose.

For the record, Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers got the same three-game suspension for crosschecking Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard moments later. But for as much as McDavid will be missed this week, the numbers say the Oilers still boast the top centre in the league.

As the second half of the NHL season continues, the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are coming on strong. Both teams are jockeying for position within t