Controversial Decision by the NHL Department of Player Safety Involving Connor McDavid Raises Eyebrows

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Daniel Lucente
January 16, 2025  (11:24)

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Photo credit: George Walker IV/AP

It's official: the NHL's Department of Player Safety has weighed in with their ruling on the Connor McDavid hit, and boy, have their decision raised eyebrows.

During last night's Edmonton Oilers' game versus the Minnesota Wild, captain Connor McDavid was deemed to have landed an elbow to Marcus Johansson's head in a play that immediately brought up controversy.

The hit came away from the play and went unpenalized, but Johansson left the game injured and didn't return.

Though early speculation suggested McDavid would be in line for a suspension or fine of $5,000 for the head contact and the subsequent injury, that was not the case.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli confirmed today that McDavid will not face any further discipline. The ruling comes after taking into account the limited nature of the contact as well as McDavid's otherwise pristine disciplinary history.

McDavid had a great night nonetheless, notching two goals and an assist, including yet another for the highlight reel in Edmonton's win. The Oilers can't afford to lose him for even a single game, so the league's decision leaves their star in the lineup.

Fans in Minnesota were still chirping about a lack of discipline, but it would appear the NHL decided the play was not intentional enough and not severe enough to warrant anything more.

Oilers fans can now breathe a sign of relief knowing their team won't have to go any games without their superstar captain.

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Previously

Maple Leafs' John Tavares Gets Disappointing News After Getting Injured in Practice

William Nylander Refuses to Take Accountability After Leafs are Booed Off the Ice for a Second Straight Game

Former Vancouver Canucks Prospect Rob Trumbley Tragically Passes Away

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