"He's a good dude": $24,750,000 Vancouver Canucks forward makes feelings known after enduring Connor McDavid's vicious high stick

Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, who's signed to a five-year $24,750,000 contract, shared his thoughts after being hit by a cross-check from Connor McDavid on Saturday.

The incident happened late in the game, which ended in a 3-2 loss for Edmonton Oilers. McDavid, frustrated by the score, retaliated after being pinned by Garland. McDavid’s high cross-check led to a match penalty.

Garland spoke to the media after the game and praised McDavid, calling him the best player.

“Ah, you know, I’m just holding him. I mean, he’s the best player to ever do it," Garland said. "So, you know, the time’s running out, and I just thought that was maybe the best way for us to win a game was to do that."

The NHL will review the play, as McDavid's penalty is for deliberately injuring an opponent. A game penalty means McDavid will be held out of play until the league decides on further action.

Garland further mentioned that there was no ill intention in the moment.

"You know, I don’t want to hurt him, want to hold him and hurt him in that way. So, just try to get up and hold him down," Garland said.

"But he’s a passionate guy. He’s a good dude. I mean, I don’t think he was … just his passion. It’s a tight game late in the game. Everybody has the fire in their belly trying to win a hockey game. So that’s the stuff that happens.”

This isn't Connor McDavid's first penalty issue. Earlier this week, he elbowed Marcus Johansson from the Minnesota Wild but avoided further discipline. McDavid was also suspended for two games in 2019 for an illegal check to the head of Nick Leddy.

Tyler Myers of the Canucks also received a game penalty after cross-checking Evan Bouchard in the resulting scrum.

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Connor McDavid and Oilers lost the game by one goal

Quinn Hughes scored two power play goals in the Vancouver Canucks’ 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Danton Heinen also scored, and J.T. Miller had two assists. Leon Draisaitl scored both goals for the Oilers. His first goal came at 4:01 of the second period, while his second came at 13:38 on the power play.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said (per NHL.com):

“Third game in a row we chased from behind, and that makes it a little more difficult. ... we just couldn't generate enough to get that third one.”

If not suspended, Connor McDavid will play against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.