Connor McDavid Addresses Controversial Hit From Ducks' Helleson

The Edmonton Oilers fell 5-4 to the rival Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, but the game wasn't without controversy on either side. However, the biggest moment of the game once again centered on Connor McDavid, who has been off to a ridiculous start in 2026-27, after he took a hit that could have seriously impacted the rest of the season.

Midway through the second period, McDavid made a move to the net as we've seen so many times before, and Anaheim's Drew Helleson hit the Oilers captain into the net, prompting a response from Vasily Podkolzin, who was promptly ejected.

Connor McDavid Calls Out Questionable Play From Drew Helleson

This comes in the wake of McDavid scoring the goal of the season thus far against the New York Rangers with a very similar move, as many fans understand why Helleson made the hit, stopping the goal from No. 97. After the game, however, McDavid wasn't too happy with the situation, addressing the play that could have resulted in a serious injury.

"I'm not expecting him to give me a free pass," McDavid said. "He makes his decision; I make my decision. That's just the way it is. You're going to hit me like that, and there's going to be a response. That's just the way it is."

While it seems as though McDavid was complaining about the call, it makes sense, as he has suffered two injuries in his career from crashing into the net or the boards: the first time against the Philadelphia Flyers as a rookie and the next time against the rival Calgary Flames, suffering shoulder and knee injuries in the process. Clearly, McDavid shouldn't be given a free pass to the net, but opponents need to be aware of the situation, as Helleson put No. 97 in a very vulnerable position with this hit, and McDavid justified Podkolzin's reaction.

Thankfully, he played on and finished with a goal and three assists, but given how valuable he is, the Oilers would have been worried after the initial play.