Breaking: Edmonton Oilers announce their decision to appeal Connor McDavid's suspension

Recently, NHL Player and Safety made the executive decision to suspend Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Connor Garland.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, NHL players have the ability to make an appeal to Gary Bettman on suspensions dished out by Player Safety.

However, the commissioner has often taken the stance of backing the league department, which steered McDavid away from an appeal according to TSN's Ryan Rishaug.

This suspension to Connor McDavid could not have come at a worse time.

The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up to take on the Washington Capitals tonight, who currently sit in 1st place overall in the NHL.

The Edmonton Oilers also have their eyes set on leap frogging the Las Vegas Golden Knights for 1st place in the Pacific Division

As it stands, the Edmonton Oilers will have to make due without Connor for the next 3 games.

Superstar Leon Draisaitl will aim to step up in a big way during McDavid's absence -- a challenge he's already proven capable of handling when McDavid missed 3 games earlier this season due to a lower-body injury.