Oilers’ Connor McDavid Decries NHL’s Ban on Pride-Themed Jerseys

The NHL is set to ban themed pregame warm-up jerseys next season, the result of a year of controversy after seven players refused to wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys in support of the LGBTQ community.

Oilers center Connor McDavid, however, spoke out against the ban Monday night as he received the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP in Nashville.

“It’s disappointing to see,” McDavid said. “It’s not my call, but obviously it’s disappointing. … I certainly can’t speak for every organization.”

Players who opted out of wearing Pride-themed warm-up jerseys this season included Canadiens right wing Denis Gurianov, Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko, Sabres defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, then-Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov, Sharks goalie James Reimer, Panthers center Eric Staal and Florida defenseman Marc Staal.

All cited either their religious beliefs or Russia’s anti-gay laws, which were amended in December 2022.

“I know in Edmonton, we were one of the first teams to use the Pride tape,” McDavid said. “We strongly feel hockey is for everybody, and that includes the Pride nights.”