McDavid Faces NHL Discipline Hearing for Cross-Checking Incident

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid will face a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday following a cross-checking incident against Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland during Saturday’s game. The altercation occurred with just three seconds remaining in the Oilers’ 3-2 loss at Rogers Arena.

McDavid, 28, was assessed a match penalty for the infraction, which took place at 19:57 of the third period. The NHL is reviewing the incident for potential supplemental discipline, with cross-checking being the primary consideration. However, the league retains the right to adjust the infraction upon further review.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner has 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) in 43 games this season. McDavid entered Saturday’s game with just 14 penalty minutes but added 15 to his total after the incident. “Connor gets frustrated, and he gets his stick up,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. “He’s frustrated because we’re down one goal and the best player in the league is getting held for 15 seconds.”

This marks McDavid’s second potential disciplinary action in his 10-year NHL career. His only prior suspension was a two-game ban in February 2019 for an illegal check to the head against New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy.

Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers also faces a hearing for cross-checking Oilers forward Zach Hyman during the same game. Myers, 34, has 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) and 54 penalty minutes this season, including 17 on Saturday. He has previously been suspended twice, once for boarding in 2012 and again for a hit to the head in 2014.

The hearings for both players are scheduled for Monday afternoon, with potential suspensions looming as the league aims to address the chaotic closing moments of the game.