McDavid On Board with Big Change to NHL Player Suspension Process

Connor McDavid was asked on Sunday about the process the NHL goes through when trying to determine discipline and player suspensions. It’s a hot-button topic right now, given the Radko Gudas five-game suspension and the Toronto Maple Leafs losing Auston Matthews for the season.

McDavid understands the Department of Player Safety has a tough job, but feels like the system is broken.

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He noted:

“Yeah, you know, I think the Department of Player Safety has done their best. It’s not an easy thing to do. With that being said, I think there’s reason to take a look at how the whole process works.”

McDavid added:

“If every time there’s a suspension, everybody complains about it, well, why don’t we take a look at the process? I figure if there’s a better way to make sure both parties are happy, it’s worth exploring, because it seems like there’s a lot of frustration there.”

When it was brought up that GMs and owners are hesitant to make big changes, McDavid noted, “I can’t speak to everything on that side. I’m not an owner, I’m not a GM—I’m a player. But from a player’s perspective, I can say that every time there is a suspension, most times there’s a lot of frustration from the player side. So why don’t we take a look at the process and try to figure out a way that works for everybody?”

This isn’t the first time McDavid has been asked about or dealt with the DoPS—he received a three-game suspension earlier this season (January 2025) for cross-checking Vancouver’s Conor Garland. But his latest remarks focus more on league-wide systemic issues rather than personal grievances.

Many fans and analysts agree that the DoPS decisions often seem inconsistent or insufficiently protective of star players. It’s been an issue for years that the NHL has failed to properly address. Maybe it’s time. When Auston Matthews is taken out for the season, and the best player in the world suggests the system is broken, the NHL should take notice.

The Oilers Lose Leon Draisaitl

Interestingly, the comments came just prior to a game versus the Nashville Predators, where Leon Draisaitl was lost due to a hit. The hit itself was clean, and Draisaitl’s injury appears not to be long-term. However, the Oilers took aim at the Predators for the rest of the night, targeting Ozzy Weisblat, who laid in the hit. It was clear they were frustrated that one of their top guys was taken a run at.

“Well, I think you saw an emotional response, which is really good, guys sticking up for Leo, one of the best players in the world. You know, if guys want to take runs at him. there’s gonna be a response,” said Zach Hyman.

Next: A Wise McDavid Calmly Knocks on the Player Safety Door