Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid has been suspended two games for his illegal check to the head on New York Islanders defenceman Nick Leddy in Thursday's victory, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.

Late in the first period of Thursday's game, McDavid delivered a high-hit to Leddy just after the Islanders defenceman shot the puck from the blueline. McDavid, whose shoulder appeared to make contract with Leddy's head, was given a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head on the play. He would finish the game with the overtime winner and an assist.

The Oilers released a statement after McDavid's suspension was announced, saying they strongly disagree with the decision.

"We are highly disappointed in the NHL's decision to suspend Connor McDavid for two games," Oilers CEO and Vice Chair Bob Nicholson said in a team statement. "We strongly disagree with the decision and it is difficult to accept for our team and most important our fans at this critical point in our season. We will unequivocally support Connor as he explores his options."

McDavid will forfeit $134,408.60 in salary for his two-game suspension.

After the game, Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said Leddy, who logged 18:18 of ice time in the loss, cleared concussion protocol.

McDavid, who has a total of just 88 penalty minutes in 267 career games, has never been suspended in his NHL career.