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.

Oilers center Connor McDavid made a surprising move on Tuesday, and rejected his appeal for his 3-game suspension.

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.