This fall, the Oilers played centres Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl an average of 22 minutes per game from October through December. It was a slight increase in usage compared to the same period in the previous season. That’s a lot of hockey, which brings worry over fatigue and lower performance levels as the team chugs toward the postseason.

It will be best on best, with the red maple leaf on his chest. To say Connor McDavid is getting amped up to represent Canada in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off later this month is an understatement, to say the least.

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.

The Edmonton Oilers expressed frustration over the NHL’s decision to suspend Connor McDavid for three games following his cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, releasing a public statement before Tuesday's game against the Washington Capitals.