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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It was hard-nosed blueliner Darnell Nurse who picked up the primary assist. His contribution was being ready to take a Draisaitl pass, and blast a solid attempt on net but have it stopped by Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Instead, it was Draisaitl who did all the work to make this four-on-four goal happen.
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.
Goaltender Logan Thompson makes 30 saves for the Capitals in a 3-2 victory over the Oilers on Tuesday night at Rogers Place
The Edmonton Oilers host the Washington Capitals after Leon Draisaitl's two-goal game against the Vancouver Canucks in the Oilers' 3-2 loss.
NHL Game recap for the Washington Washington Capitals vs. Edmonton Edmonton Oilers game on January 21, 2025. Follow every play as it happens throughout the NHL season on CBS Sports and the CBS Sports app.
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