McDavid’s Suspension Could Be Helpful for His Career

Who’s the best player in the NHL? Most people (and they’d be right) would choose Connor McDavid. He’s also the most prominent player in the NHL who goes out of his way to sell the game. Still, he’s not perfect.

At the tail end of Saturday’s close 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, as the Oilers were desperately trying to tie the game, Conor Garland literally tackled and held down McDavid to keep him from scoring. Even if Garland were to draw a penalty, with seven seconds left, he felt his team would likely be able to kill it off.

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Surprise (or maybe not). Although there should have been, no penalty was called on Garland. However, overcome with frustration, MaDavid finally got up, returned to the game, and lashed out to cross-check Garland across the face shield. McDavid was assessed a match penalty. In the aftermath, he went in front of an NHL and received a three-game suspension for his cross-check.

In one way, it’s hard to blame the NHL for assessing the suspension. The league is concerned about player protection and hopes to prevent dangerous incidents like this from happening.

The Incident Brought Up Past Frustrations for McDavid

The problem, for several reasons, is that McDavid was involved. That changes things. During that game, and almost every other game he plays, he faces physical challenges. He gets beat on, roughed up, knocked down, targeted for punishment. He’s protested his treatment. Perhaps not because the other teams handle him with physicality, but because he doesn’t draw the penalties he should be. Saturday was one of those games.

The game and its aftermath could revive conversation – and should – about the lack of enforcement from referees about the rules for penalties that contributed to McDavid’s frustration. The suspension, which is probably deserved, only added to the issue.

Garland’s defensive play (read, egregious penalty) led to McDavid’s actions. The retaliatory cross-check resulted in a suspension. But it also raises questions about the treatment of superstar players, especially McDavid.

The Frustration and Implications of Being the NHL’s Key Star

There’s an ongoing issue here. McDavid has previously expressed concerns over the inadequate protection for star players. He also faces officiating inconsistencies in every game. The frequent failures to penalize fouls against him have to be frustrating. And, now, it would seem, McDavid is just that – frustrated. 

McDavid’s camp has often expressed frustration over the NHL’s handling of player safety. Now, there might be an imminent potential impact on this engagement. Yesterday, there was speculation that McDavid might reduce his media commitments and promotional activities on behalf of the league. As the league’s leading player (and figure), his distancing could affect the NHL’s promotional efforts.

The Bottom Line for McDavid and the NHL

Some significant actions will likely emerge from the suspension. However, the suspension might not be all bad for McDavid. If the suspension becomes a pivotal moment for discussions surrounding superstar protection in the NHL, that helps McDavid in the long run. If it does not, and it’s business as usual, the NHL will lose McDavid as one of its most visible public supporters.

One way or another, there will be responses. As noted, they could be good for McDavid. If this becomes the impetus for considerations about the treatment of star players, that’s good. The issue becomes more focused. Ongoing dialogue might influence league policies and the treatment of star players, ensuring their safety and well-being on the ice.

However, if it doesn’t, watch for McDavid to become less present as a mouthpiece for the league. That could be the biggest negative that comes out of this incident. The three-game suspension would only be the tip of the iceberg.

Related: McDavid Makes Suspension Appeal Choice, Fallout Coming?