Saturday night’s meeting between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks had all the tension you’d expect from a rivalry game. It had fast pace, physical play, and a few moments that crossed the line. And one particular exchange involving Tyler Myers and Connor McDavid quickly became the flashpoint everyone was talking about.
Did the NHL Go Too Easy on Tyler Myers After His Slash on Connor McDavid?
By Sunday morning, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety stepped in, fining Myers $2,500 for a third-period slash on McDavid during Edmonton’s 3-1 victory at Rogers Place. The play wasn’t called on the ice, but replays showed the Canucks defenseman catching McDavid between the legs with his stick as the Oilers captain drove toward the net.
The league confirmed the fine was the maximum allowed under the CBA, though no suspension followed.
Within minutes of the announcement, reactions poured in across social media. Many fans felt the NHL’s response was far too soft. “Myers should get suspended for life what a friggen loser,” one user wrote.
Myers should get suspended for life what a friggen loser
— Pedro Anderson (@PedroAn34391216) October 13, 2025
While another added, “Disgraceful !!”
Disgraceful !!
— PaulMG 🏒🎸 (@amb19610306) October 13, 2025
Others were more critical: “Should have been a match penalty but that would require a sighted referee to be on the ice to make the call. Do better.”
That was a spear to the testicles but sure, call it a slash. Should have been a match penalty but that would require a sighted referee to be on the ice to make the call.
Do better.— Donald Crews 🇺🇦🇮🇱🇨🇦 (@Pumpkinjerk) October 13, 2025
Another fan chimed in, “Crazy part is he didn’t even get a penalty.”
Crazy part is he didn’t even get a penalty.
— Eric (@oilpats8312) October 13, 2025
That chorus echoed a familiar complaint that star players like McDavid often absorb dangerous hits without meaningful consequence. The Oilers captain didn’t address the incident afterward, but teammates were seen voicing frustration on the bench after no call was made during the play.
Oilers’ Win Overshadowed by Controversial Fine to Myers
For Myers, it’s another addition to a lengthy disciplinary history. Since entering the league, the 35-year-old has been fined three times and suspended on three separate occasions. His earlier fines came for cross-checking Tommy Wingels (2016) and elbowing Sean Kuraly (2024), bringing his total career fines to $12,500.
Saturday’s clash itself was chippy from start to finish. The Canucks took six minor penalties, including several after scrums near the crease. The Oilers dictated most of the play, outshooting Vancouver 37-15, while McDavid and Leon Draisaitl once again carried the offense.
Goaltender Thatcher Demko kept Vancouver within reach until Draisaitl’s empty-netter sealed the result. Still, the fine became the game’s main talking point. Many fans and analysts questioned whether the league’s disciplinary process has real teeth.
Myers will serve no suspension and is expected to suit up when Vancouver faces the St. Louis Blues next. But the debate over player safety and whether the NHL is doing enough to protect its biggest stars shows no signs of quieting down.
