McDavid openly defies NHL's policy tonight

It seems like years ago at this point, but you may recall that the NHL effectively banned the use of rainbow colored hockey tape used to show support for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community for 2023-24 season.

The NHL made a policy change regarding the use 'special interest' jerseys for the upcoming season banning the use of Pride jerseys, Military Appreciation jerseys, Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys and other special interest jerseys.

From LGBTQ+ publisher OutSports:

Outsports has learned that the NHL has issued a league-wide ban of Pride Tape on the ice with the players during warm-ups, games and even practices. A league spokesperson has confirmed this change in policy with Outsports.

The NHL was also forced to clarify a memo sent to every team recently after some expressed confusion. The main part that had teams unsure was:

Players shall not be put in the position of having to demonstrate (or where they may be appearing to demonstrate) personal support for any Special Initiatives. A factor that may be considered in this regard includes, for example, whether a Player (or Players) is required to be in close proximity to any groups or individuals visibly or otherwise clearly associated with such Special Initiative(s).

- OutSports

Since then, several players have shown support for various causes without any penalty from the NHL. Travis Dermott of the Arizona Coyotes rocked Pride colored tape on his stick and Marc Andre Fleury rocked a SWEET indigenous inspired goalie mask, despite the NHL's new policy.

Meanwhil Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid voiced his displeasure as well saying back in October, "I've expressed disappointment in not wearing the various jerseys or tape or whatever... it's always something that I've enjoyed. In term's of the league's standpoint, it's something I'd like to put back into place one day certainly."

Well, tonight McDavid decided to put his money where his mouth is. He's proudly rocking the Pride tape tonight in New Jersey as his Edmonton Oilers take on the New Jersey Devils.

Check it out:

Something tells me he's going to have a throng of reporters at least a dozen deep for his post-game presser this evening...