Inside source reports Connor McDavid and Agent will retaliate to NHL over suspension

This would certainly be a method that the NHL's biggest star could use to influence the league. As their best player, the NHL surely wants McDavid as part of their marketing strategies - if he refuses while demanding a change in officiating, the league will listen.

McDavid seems to be focusing on protecting the stars in general - not just one penalty or suspension. However, he was mobbed on the play, and perseveres through more infractions than any other player in the NHL.

Instead of forcing their star players to play through penalties, the NHL should actually call the rule book, protect their stars, and allow their skill to shine. Corey Perry said exactly that in a recent interview with Sportsnet.

"Why aren't we protecting the superstars? Why aren't we? Every other league does it? They protect their superstars.'

- Corey Perry

Connor McDavid is on pace to draw a career-low of penalties by far, but it's not just him. According to Jason Gregor, both McDavid and Nathan Mackinnon are seeing a major decline in penalties called.

The biggest issue in the NHL is the number of infractions that DON'T get called against star players has increased significantly. In 2022, McDavid and MacKinnon drew 90 penalties. This year they're on pace to draw 47. Ridiculous.

- Jason Gregor

Could Connor McDavid withdraw from the 4 Nations Faceoff?

Some NHL fans have even called on Connor McDavid to withdraw from the upcoming Four Nations Faceoff in response to the poor officiating and suspension this year.

McDavid will want to play for Canada regardless, so that will not be happening, but withdrawing from any promotional material may hit the NHL, too.

Hopefully this incident can bring more attention to the brutally inconsistent officiating in the NHL. Everyone involved the sport deserves better.