McDavid was speaking to the media for the first time since he struck Garland in the head in the dying seconds of Saturday’s 3-2 loss.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a three-game suspension. The NHL banned McDavid from appearing in three games this week, starting with Tuesday's loss to the Washington Capitals, for his cross-check on Vancouver’s Conor Garland during the final seconds of Saturday’s game.

Former NHL general manager Brian Burke is one of the few voices left pedalling old-school hockey, but even he thought Connor McDavid deserved his suspension and the Oilers reaction was over the top.

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

Oilers center Connor McDavid made a surprising move on Tuesday, and rejected his appeal for his 3-game suspension.

This is not the first time that McDavid has faced disciplinary action. He served a two-game suspension in February 2019 for a hit to the head on then-New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy. Additionally, he was fined $5,000 in March 2021.

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and the NHLPA won't appeal his three-game suspension for a cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward

The Edmonton Oilers have released the following statement regarding the three-game suspension of team 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 NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid has been suspended for three games for illegally cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Connor Garland. McDavid left the ice early with a match penalty after getting tangled with Garland following a scoring chance in the final moments of the Canucks' 3-2 win.