“I think player safety has done their best. It’s not an easy thing to do. With that being said, I think there is reason to take a look at how the whole process works,” said Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, during a post-game interview on March 15, 2026.
McDavid’s comments come in the wake of a five-game suspension handed to Radko Gudas for a knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews. This incident has reignited discussions about the NHL’s player safety protocols, which have faced criticism in recent years.
In the same breath, McDavid pointed out the ongoing concerns regarding the protection of star players in the league. “If every time there’s a suspension, everybody complains about it, why don’t we take a look at the process and figure out if there’s a better way to make sure both parties are happy?”
The Department of Player Safety stated that Gudas was responsible for ensuring the legality of his hit, but the situation has prompted Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to advocate for stricter disciplinary measures. “This is bad for the league. It’s our captain, it’s our best player,” Treliving remarked, emphasizing the impact of such decisions on team dynamics.
Historically, the NHL Players’ Association has presented data showing that suspensions for kneeing tend to be shorter than those for other infractions, which raises questions about consistency in enforcement.
On the same day as McDavid’s remarks, the Edmonton Oilers secured a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, with Matt Savoie scoring the game-winning goal. This win marked the Oilers’ 33rd victory of the season, contributing to their position in the Western Conference playoff race.
Leon Draisaitl continues to impress, having scored 35 goals this season, while Connor Ingram made 27 saves in the game against the Predators.
The ongoing dialogue about player safety and the effectiveness of current protocols is expected to remain a focal point as the NHL approaches the playoffs. As McDavid and others call for change, the league may need to address these concerns to maintain the integrity of the game.
