Connor McDavid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Connor McDavid
McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers in February 2022
Born	(1997-01-13) January 13, 1997 (age 28) Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	194 lb (88 kg; 13 st 12 lb)
Position	Centre
Shoots	Left
NHL team	Edmonton Oilers
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	1st overall, 2015 Edmonton Oilers
Playing career	2015–present

Connor Andrew McDavid (born January 13, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a centre and is the captain for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Oilers chose him first overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft. Many people think McDavid is one of the best players in the world. His amazing offensive skills are often compared to hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky.

McDavid started playing hockey at a very young age, often against older kids. His father coached him, and he won four championships with the York Simcoe Express. In 2011, he joined the Toronto Marlboros. There, he was named the GTHL Player of the Year. In 2012, Hockey Canada gave him "exceptional player status." This allowed him to start playing junior ice hockey at just 15 years old. The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) drafted him first overall. He played for the Otters until 2015. In his final OHL season (2014–15), he scored 120 points and won many awards, including the Red Tilson Trophy and CHL Player of the Year. McDavid also played for Canada in international games, winning gold medals in 2013 and 2015.

After his junior career, McDavid joined the Oilers for the 2015–16 season. Even though he missed three months due to a broken collarbone, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. The next year, at 19, he became the youngest captain in NHL history. He scored 100 points in the 2016–17 season, becoming the second-youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy (for the league's top scorer). He also won the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) and Ted Lindsay Award. The Oilers missed the playoffs for the next two seasons, but McDavid continued to score many goals. He injured his knee in 2019 but recovered without surgery. In the 2020–21 season, which was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McDavid still reached 100 points. In 2023–24, he led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs, even though his team did not win the Stanley Cup.

McDavid has been named an NHL First Team All-Star four times. He has won the Art Ross Trophy five times, the Ted Lindsay Award four times, and the Hart Memorial Trophy three times. In the 2022–23 season, he won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for leading the league in goals. Opponents often praise his incredible speed on the ice. He has won the Fastest Skater competition at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition four times. He is one of only two players, along with Wayne Gretzky, to win the Hart Memorial Trophy unanimously.

Early Life and Junior Hockey Beginnings

Growing Up with Hockey

Connor McDavid was born on January 13, 1997, in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He started playing hockey around age three, practicing on rollerblades in his basement. His parents even lied about his age so he could play with five-year-olds when he was four. When he was six, his local hockey group in Newmarket would not let him play against older kids. His parents then enrolled him in a program in Aurora, Ontario, where he could play with more skilled players.

Joining the York Simcoe Express

With his father as coach, McDavid won four championships with the York Simcoe Express. In 2009, he played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with this team. Another future professional player, Sam Bennett, was also on that team.

Moving to the Toronto Marlboros

In 2011, McDavid joined the Toronto Marlboros in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). This was the same team he and his father had beaten in a championship the year before. He won the GTHL Player of the Year Award in 2012. He scored 33 goals and had 39 assists in 33 regular season games. He also had 19 points in seven OHL Cup games. He received the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as the tournament's best player.

Playing Career

Junior Hockey with the Erie Otters

Becoming an Exceptional Player

McDavid thought about playing college hockey, but he decided to join junior hockey early. He applied for "exceptional player status" through Hockey Canada. After tests on his athletic skills, school grades, and maturity, he was allowed to enter the junior hockey draft at 15. He was only the third player in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to get this special permission. On April 7, 2012, the Erie Otters chose McDavid first overall in the 2012 OHL draft. He signed with them in June and received the 2012 Jack Ferguson Award as the top draft pick.

McDavid with the Erie Otters in 2013

First Seasons with the Otters

McDavid joined the Otters for the 2012–13 season. He scored his first OHL goal on September 21. He was named OHL Rookie of the Month in October and November. In March 2013, he set a franchise record for rookie assists with 37. He finished his first season with 25 goals and 41 assists in 63 games. He won the 2013 Emms Family Award for OHL Rookie of the Year.

The Otters had a much better start in the 2013–14 season. McDavid was named OHL Player of the Month in October. He finished the regular season with 99 points (28 goals and 71 assists) in 56 games. He also had very few penalty minutes, earning him the William Hanley Trophy for the most sportsmanlike player. With excellent grades, he won the 2014 Bobby Smith Trophy and was named CHL Scholastic Player of the Year.

McDavid's No. 97 Erie Otters jersey on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Captain of the Otters and Final Junior Season

The Otters named McDavid their captain for the 2014–15 season. He started strong, leading the OHL with 51 points before breaking his hand in a fight on November 11. He missed six weeks but returned in January. He scored his first OHL hat-trick on February 25. He reached 100 points in only 38 games that season. He finished the regular season with 44 goals and 120 points in 47 games.

At the end of the 2014–15 season, McDavid won many awards. He won the Bobby Smith Trophy and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year again. He also received the Red Tilson Trophy (most outstanding player), CHL Player of the Year, and CHL Top Draft Prospect Award. Even though the Otters lost in the finals, McDavid had 21 goals and 49 points in 20 playoff games. He won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the playoff MVP. With five individual OHL awards, he became the most decorated player in league history.

Professional Career with the Edmonton Oilers

Starting in the NHL (2015–2020)

The Edmonton Oilers chose McDavid first overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft. He signed a three-year contract on July 3, 2015. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2015. His first goal came five days later. On November 3, he broke his left collarbone after hitting the boards. He missed 37 games but returned on February 3, scoring a goal and two assists. Despite playing only 45 games, he finished his rookie season with 16 goals and 32 assists. He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year).

On October 5, 2016, the Oilers named McDavid their captain. At 19 years and 266 days old, he became the youngest captain in NHL history. He scored his first NHL hat-trick on November 19. By January 13, he was the first player to reach 50 points in the 2016–17 season. Five days later, he reached his 100th NHL point in only 92 games. He was selected for his first NHL All-Star Game in 2017 and won the Fastest Skater competition. He finished the season with 100 points (30 goals, 70 assists), winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer. He was the youngest player to win it since Sidney Crosby in 2007.

The Oilers made the playoffs in 2017 after a 10-year drought. McDavid scored his first playoff goal in their win over the San Jose Sharks. Edmonton beat the Sharks but lost to the Anaheim Ducks in the second round. After the playoffs, McDavid won the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP) and the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player voted by players).

On July 5, 2017, McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension. He scored his second hat-trick in the first game of the 2017–18 season. He was again chosen to captain the Pacific Division at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game and defended his Fastest Skater title. On February 5, he scored four goals in a game for the first time. He finished the season with career highs of 41 goals and 108 points. He won the Art Ross Trophy for the second year in a row and the Ted Lindsay Award again.

In the 2018–19 season, McDavid started strong, setting a record for points on consecutive goals to begin a season. He reached 300 points in his 240th NHL game. He won his third Fastest Skater title at the All-Star Game. On February 22, he received a two-game suspension for an illegal check. He finished the season with 41 goals and a career-high 75 assists and 116 points. In the final game, he injured his left knee. He chose not to have surgery and instead went through a long recovery program to be ready for the next season. Despite team difficulties, he was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

McDavid started the 2019–20 season with 12 points in the first five games. He reached 400 NHL points in 306 games on November 10. Five days later, he had another hat-trick and a career-high six points in one game. He made his fourth All-Star Game appearance in 2020. He injured his knee again in February but returned later that month. The NHL season was stopped on March 12 due due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the playoffs returned, McDavid scored five goals and nine points in four games, but the Oilers were eliminated.

Team Success and Individual Trophies (2020–Present)

On January 14, 2021, McDavid scored the first hat-trick of the 2020–21 season. He reached 500 career points on February 17 in his 369th NHL game, tying Sidney Crosby for how fast he reached that milestone. He had a natural hat-trick and five points on February 21. On May 9, 2021, in only the 53rd game of the season, McDavid reached his 100th point. He finished the season with 33 goals and a league-leading 72 assists for 105 points. He won his third Art Ross Trophy. He was named to his fourth NHL First All-Star Team and won his third Ted Lindsay Award. He also became the second player ever, after Wayne Gretzky, to win the Hart Memorial Trophy unanimously.

The Oilers were swept by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. McDavid felt that referees were not calling enough penalties against players who fouled him.

McDavid (left) defends against Garnet Hathaway in February 2022

McDavid started the 2021–22 season with a 17-game point streak. He was again selected as captain for the 2022 NHL All-Star Game. The Oilers had a tough period in December and January, leading to a coaching change. Under new coach Jay Woodcroft, the team improved greatly. McDavid finished the season with 44 goals, 79 assists, and 123 points, winning his fourth Art Ross Trophy. He was a finalist for the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award again.

In the 2022 playoffs, the Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings in seven games. McDavid led the league in points in the first round. They then faced the Calgary Flames in the "Battle of Alberta" playoff series for the first time in 31 years. McDavid scored the series-winning goal in overtime in Game 5, sending the Oilers to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006. The Oilers were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche, who went on to win the Stanley Cup. McDavid led all players in scoring in the 2022 playoffs with 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists).

On October 12, 2022, in the Oilers' 2022–23 season opener, McDavid scored a hat-trick and reached 700 career points. He was the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach this milestone. He scored his 40th goal of the season on January 22, becoming the fastest NHL player to do so since 2000. He reached 800 career points on February 21. He scored 50 goals for the first time in his career on February 27. On March 14, he reached 129 points, breaking a 21st-century record. He scored his 60th goal on March 22. He finished the season with 64 goals and 153 points, winning his fifth Art Ross Trophy and his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for leading the league in goals. His 153 points were the most for a player since 1996. He won both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award, giving him four individual awards that season.

The Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. They then faced the Vegas Golden Knights but were defeated in six games.

In the summer of 2023, the Oilers hired Jeff Jackson, McDavid's longtime agent, as CEO of hockey operations. McDavid said the team's goal for the 2023–24 season was to win the Stanley Cup. The team had a very slow start, winning only two of their first ten games. On November 12, the team fired coach Woodcroft and hired Kris Knoblauch, who had coached McDavid with the Erie Otters. The team's performance improved greatly under Knoblauch. On April 15, 2024, McDavid recorded his 100th assist of the season. He was the first NHL player in over three decades and only the fourth player in NHL history to achieve this.

McDavid and the Oilers eliminated the Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006. After losing the first three games to the Florida Panthers, McDavid led a comeback. In Game 4, he broke Wayne Gretzky's record for most assists in one playoff year with his 32nd assist. In Game 5, he scored four points, becoming the first player in NHL history to have back-to-back four-point games in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers forced a Game 7, but they were ultimately defeated. McDavid was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason. He was only the sixth player from the losing team to receive this award.

On January 20, 2025, McDavid received a three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland. McDavid tied for the lead in points in the 2025 NHL playoffs with teammate Leon Draisaitl, but the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in the Cup Finals again.

International Play

McDavid with Team Canada in 2016
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold	2016 Russia
4 Nations Face-Off
Winner	2025 Canada/United States
World Junior Championships
Gold	2015 Canada
World U18 Championships
Gold	2013 Russia

Junior International Games

McDavid's international career started with the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. He led Team Ontario with nine points. The next year, at 16, he was the youngest player in the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships in Sochi. He led the tournament in scoring with eight goals and 14 assists. Canada defeated the United States to win the gold medal, and McDavid was named the Best Forward and Tournament MVP.

In 2014, McDavid became one of the youngest players to join the Canadian junior team for the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He rejoined the team for the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Canada as an alternate captain. Canada won the gold medal, beating Russia 5–4. McDavid's 11 points tied for first in the tournament.

Senior International Games

McDavid first played for the Canadian senior team at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Russia. He scored the winning goal in the gold-medal game against Finland, helping Canada win the tournament. That same year, McDavid was named captain of Team North America for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. This team was made up of Canadian and U.S. players aged 23 or younger.

Two years later, McDavid was captain of Team Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Denmark. Canada finished without a medal for the first time since 2014. McDavid finished third in scoring with five goals and 17 points. He wanted to play for Canada again in 2019 but could not due to a leg injury.

McDavid was one of the first three players chosen for the Canadian team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, the NHL decided that no players would be allowed to go to the Olympics due to COVID-19. McDavid was disappointed, as playing in the Olympics had always been his dream.

McDavid was one of the first six players named to Team Canada for the 2025 debut of the 4 Nations Face-Off. He was later named an alternate captain. He scored three goals, including the winning goal in the final against Team USA. Canada's victory was McDavid's first international gold medal since 2016. He was named Player of the Game in the final.

Player Profile

Skills and Comparisons

Connor McDavid is often called "McJesus" by fans and experts. He is seen as one of the best players in modern NHL history. People often compare him to other top offensive players like Sidney Crosby. In a 2017 survey, players praised his speed and stickhandling skills. Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask said McDavid's skating and stickhandling were "something I've never seen before."

From 2016 to 2021, McDavid was ranked first in TSN Hockey's fan poll of the top 50 NHL players. The NHL Players' Association also voted him the best forward in the league in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, he joined Wayne Gretzky as the only players to win the Hart Memorial Trophy unanimously.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

McDavid's scoring rate is similar to top players like Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. Many players, including Auston Matthews and Joe Thornton, highlight his incredible speed. John Tavares praised McDavid's ability to adapt. While he is known for his amazing offense, some sports writers have pointed out that his defensive play could improve.

Personal Life

Family and Home Life

McDavid met his wife, interior designer Lauren Kyle, in 2016. They were set up on a blind date by Kyle's cousin, who was also McDavid's teammate. They live in Edmonton with their dog, Lenard. Their house was featured in EDify magazine and Architectural Digest. McDavid and Kyle got engaged on June 22, 2023, and were married on July 27, 2024, in Muskoka, Ontario. Their wedding was featured in Vogue magazine.

Interests Outside Hockey

As a child in Ontario, McDavid was a big fan of Mats Sundin and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He said his childhood bedroom was full of Maple Leafs items. Today, he enjoys watching individual players more than specific teams. He supports the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team and even threw out the ceremonial first pitch at one of their games in 2016.

Endorsements and Media

In 2017, Electronic Arts announced that McDavid would be the cover athlete for NHL 18, a popular video game. His unique skating style also inspired new technology used in NHL 19. In 2022, McDavid appeared on boxes of Cheerios cereal as part of a special promotion. That same year, he became the first active professional athlete to be a brand ambassador for the sports betting company BetMGM.

Philanthropy

McDavid helps with charity work in Edmonton's Indigenous community. He has raised $85,000 to help Indigenous children play sports. He also supports a program that helps sick children.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

Career statistics derived from Elite Prospects.
Bold indicates led league.
Bold italics indicate NHL record.

International Play Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2013	Canada	U18			7	8	6	14	2
2014	Canada	WJC	4th		7	1	3	4	4
2015	Canada	WJC			7	3	8	11	0
2016	Canada	WC			10	1	8	9	6
2016	North America	WCH	5th		3	0	3	3	4
2018	Canada	WC	4th		10	5	12	17	10
2025	Canada	4NF			4	3	2	5	0
Junior totals					21	12	17	29	6
Senior totals					27	9	25	34	20

Awards, Honours, and Records

Awards and Honours

Records

• Most individual awards given to any OHL player (5)
• Youngest captain in NHL history (19 years, 266 days at time of appointment)
• Most points on consecutive goals to begin an NHL season (9, in 2018–19 season)
• Most assists in one playoff year (34, 2024 NHL playoffs)
• Only player to record back-to-back 4-point or more games in the Stanley Cup Finals (2024 Stanley Cup Finals)
• Most points over a two-game stretch in the Stanley Cup Finals (8, 2024 Stanley Cup Finals)

See also

In Spanish: Connor McDavid para niños