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Former NHL Star Defensemen Throws His Support Behind Connor McDavid's Play Style After Recent Incident

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Tom Banks
January 20, 2025  (9:57)
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The NHL world has come down hard on Connor McDavid following his cross-check to the face of Conor Garland, but Chris Pronger loves the new style from No. 97.

On Saturday night, Connor McDavid put himself in the firing line of the NHL's Department of Player Safety after brutally cross-checking Vancouver Canucks star Conor Garland to the face.

It was the second incident in the past week for the Oilers captain, but this time it's likely leading him to a suspension, with many fans calling out his action on social media for the very unsportsmanlike play.

However, there were many who supported it, with NHL insider Mike Rupp taking to X to ask whether or not people out there loved the edge that No. 97 played with, especially on this play.

Plenty of people doubled down on their hatred of the play, but NHL legend Chris Pronger was not one of those, as he replied to the post, throwing his full support behind McDavid.

Actually love it. Needs to do this more often maybe not to the level of suspension like this but it will give him some extra space. Teams key on taking time and space away from him and try to frustrate him. Taking it into your own hands is good ... sometimes

Unsurprisingly, he draws the line at making plays that will ultimately get him suspended, but seeing McDavid stand up for himself in such a physical way against a fierce division rival isn't something we've seen much of from him before.

With a suspension likely looming however, this may stop McDavid from reacting like this in the future, but if he can make opposing players aware of the physical threat he can be, he adds a whole other level to his game.

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Former NHL Star Defensemen Throws His Support Behind Connor McDavid's Play Style After Recent Incident

Do you like seeing McDavid play more of this physical style?

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