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 picked 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 grew up playing hockey, often against older kids. His dad 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 play junior ice hockey at age 15. The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) drafted him first overall. He played for them until 2015.

In his final OHL season (2014–15), McDavid scored 120 points. He won many OHL and Canadian Hockey League (CHL) awards. These included the Red Tilson Trophy and CHL Player of the Year. McDavid also played for Canada in international games. He won gold medals at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships and 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

After junior hockey, McDavid joined the Oilers for the 2015–16 season. He missed three months due to a broken collarbone. Still, 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. At 20, he was the second-youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's top scorer. He also won the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award.

McDavid has won the Art Ross Trophy five times. He's won the Ted Lindsay Award four times and the Hart Memorial Trophy three times. In 2023, he won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal-scorer. Opponents often praise his incredible speed. 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

McDavid was born on January 13, 1997, in Richmond Hill, Ontario. His mom, Kelly, played hockey, and his dad, Brian, was a high school player. Connor started playing hockey around age three. He practiced on rollerblades in his basement. He began organized hockey a year later. His parents said he was older so he could play with five-year-olds.

When he was six, his local team in Newmarket stopped him from playing with older kids. His parents thought he would be "bored" in a regular league. So, they put him in a program in Aurora, Ontario. There, he won four championships with the York Simcoe Express. His father coached this team. In 2009, McDavid played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. Future NHL player Sam Bennett was also on his team.

In 2011, McDavid joined the Toronto Marlboros. He had beaten them in a championship the year before. This move meant he lost many friends from his old team. In 2012, he won the GTHL Player of the Year Award. He scored 33 goals and 39 assists in 33 games. He also had 19 points in seven OHL Cup games. This was the most by any player since Sam Gagner in 2005. He won the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP. However, his team lost the OHL Cup final 2–1.

Playing Career

Junior Hockey Years

McDavid decided to play junior ice hockey instead of waiting for college. He applied for "exceptional player status" from Hockey Canada. After tests on his skills and maturity, he was allowed to enter the draft at 15. He was only the third player in Ontario Hockey League (OHL) history to get this special permission. On April 7, 2012, the Erie Otters picked McDavid first overall in the OHL draft. He signed with them in June. As the top pick, he received the 2012 Jack Ferguson Award.

McDavid with the Erie Otters in 2013

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

The Otters had a much better 2013–14 season. McDavid was named OHL Player of the Month in October. He finished the season fourth in the OHL with 99 points (28 goals, 71 assists) in 56 games. He had the fewest penalty minutes among the top scorers. He won the William Hanley Trophy for most sportsmanlike player. With a 92% average in high school, he also won the Bobby Smith Trophy for Scholastic Player of the Year. He was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team. The Otters finished second in the OHL. McDavid added 19 points in 14 playoff games.

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

The Otters made McDavid their captain for the 2014–15 season. He led the OHL with 51 points before breaking his hand in a fight on November 11. He missed six weeks due to injury and international games. He returned on January 8. Shortly after, he was named captain of Team Cherry at the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

On February 25, he scored his first OHL hat-trick. He reached 100 points for the season in only 38 games. He finished the regular season with 44 goals and 120 points in 47 games. He led the OHL with a +60 plus–minus rating.

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 was named to the OHL First All-Star Team. He also received the Red Tilson Trophy for the OHL's most outstanding player. He won the CHL Player of the Year and CHL Top Draft Prospect Award. The Otters lost in the finals, but McDavid had 21 goals and 49 points in 20 playoff games. He won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP. McDavid finished his junior career as the most awarded player in OHL history.

Professional Career (2015–Present)

Starting with the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers picked McDavid first overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft. On July 3, 2015, he signed a three-year contract worth $11.3 million. He played his first NHL game on October 9, 2015. His first goal came five days later. On November 3, he broke his left collarbone after hitting the boards. He had 5 goals and 12 points in 13 games before the injury.

McDavid missed 37 games. He returned on February 3, scoring a goal and two assists. On February 11, he was involved in all five of the Oilers' goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored twice and assisted on Jordan Eberle's hat trick. Despite playing only 45 games, McDavid finished his rookie season with 16 goals and 32 assists. He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy and made the NHL All-Rookie Team.

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, 2016. On January 13, he became the first player to reach 50 points in the 2016–17 season. Five days later, he got his 100th NHL point in only 92 games. Only Wayne Gretzky and Blair MacDonald reached 100 points faster for the Oilers.

McDavid was selected for his first NHL All-Star Game in 2017. He won Fastest Skater at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition. In the last game of the season, he reached 100 points. He became the youngest player since Sidney Crosby to win the Art Ross Trophy (NHL scoring leader). He played all 82 games, scoring 30 goals and 70 assists.

The Oilers made the playoffs on March 29, 2017, ending a 10-year drought. McDavid scored his first playoff goal against the San Jose Sharks. Edmonton beat the Sharks in six games. They then lost to the Anaheim Ducks in seven games. McDavid had five goals and nine points in 13 playoff games. After the playoffs, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) and the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player). He was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team.

On July 5, 2017, McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension. His second hat-trick came in the first game of the 2017–18 season. He scored all three goals in a 3–0 win. He captained the Pacific Division at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game. He won Fastest Skater again. On February 5, he scored four goals in a game for the first time. He finished the season with 41 goals and 108 points. He won the Art Ross Trophy for the second year in a row. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award again and made the NHL First All-Star Team.

In the 2018–19 season, McDavid broke Adam Oates's record. He was involved in the Oilers' first nine goals of the season. On December 13, he reached 300 points in 240 games. He was the ninth player to do so before turning 22. He won his third Fastest Skater title at the All-Star Game. On February 22, he was suspended for two games for an illegal hit. He finished the season with 41 goals, 75 assists, and 116 points. In the final game, he injured his left knee. He chose rehab instead of surgery and was ready for the next season. He was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy again.

McDavid started the 2019–20 season strong. On November 10, he reached 400 NHL points in 306 games. He was the eighth player to get 400 points before turning 23. 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. He was narrowly beaten in the Fastest Skater competition.

The NHL season was stopped on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. McDavid had 34 goals, 63 assists, and 97 points in 64 games. When the playoffs returned, he had five goals and nine points in four games. However, the Oilers were eliminated.

Recent Success and Awards

On January 14, 2021, McDavid scored the first hat-trick of the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season. His 500th career point came on February 17. He reached this milestone in 369 games, tying Sidney Crosby. Four days later, he had a natural hat-trick and a five-point game. He reached his 100th point of the year on May 9, in only the 53rd game. He was the first player to do this so quickly since Mario Lemieux in 1996. He finished the season with 33 goals and a league-leading 72 assists for 105 points. He won his third Art Ross Trophy. He also won his third Ted Lindsay Award and his second Hart Memorial Trophy. He joined Wayne Gretzky as the only players to win the Hart Trophy unanimously.

The Oilers were swept by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021 playoffs. McDavid felt the referees did not call enough penalties against opponents. He asked them to "call the rule book."

McDavid (left) defends against Garnet Hathaway in February 2022

McDavid began the 2021–22 season with a 17-game point streak. This was the eighth-longest to start a season in NHL history. The Oilers started strong but then struggled. Coach Dave Tippett was replaced by Jay Woodcroft. McDavid was again an All-Star captain. He finished the season with 44 goals, 79 assists, and 123 points. He won his fourth Art Ross Trophy. He was a finalist for the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award.

In the 2022 playoffs, the Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings in seven games. McDavid led the league in points in the first round. The Oilers then faced the Calgary Flames in the "Battle of Alberta". McDavid scored the series-winning goal in overtime. The Oilers reached the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006. They were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche. McDavid led all players in scoring in the 2022 playoffs with 33 points.

On October 12, 2022, McDavid scored a hat-trick in the Oilers' 2022–23 season opener. He reached 700 career points, becoming the sixth-fastest player in NHL history. He scored his 40th goal on January 22, 2023. He reached 800 career points on February 21. He scored 50 goals for the first time on February 27. On March 1, he had his fifth straight two-goal game. On March 14, he reached 129 points, a new 21st-century record. He scored his 60th goal on March 22. He was the fourth player this century to do so. He finished the season with 64 goals and 153 points. He won his fifth Art Ross Trophy and his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (top goal scorer). His 153 points were the most since Mario Lemieux in 1996. He won both the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award again.

In the 2023 playoffs, the Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings again. They then lost to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The 2023–24 season started slowly for the Oilers. Coach Woodcroft was replaced by Kris Knoblauch, McDavid's former junior coach. The team's performance improved greatly. On April 15, 2024, McDavid got his 100th assist of the season. He was the first NHL player in over 30 years to do this. Only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr have also achieved this. The Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006. They lost the first three games. McDavid then led a comeback. In Game 4, he broke Wayne Gretzky's record for most assists in one playoff year (32). In Game 5, he had four points. He became the first player with back-to-back four-point games in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers forced Game 7 but lost. McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He was only the sixth player from the losing team to win this award.

International Play

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

Junior International Games

McDavid's international career began at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. He led Team Ontario with nine points. He was named to the tournament all-star team. The next year, at 16, he was the youngest player at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships. He led the tournament in scoring with eight goals and 14 assists. Canada beat the United States 3–2 for the gold medal. McDavid was named Best Forward and Tournament MVP.

In 2014, McDavid joined the Canadian junior team for the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He had a goal and three assists. He rejoined the team for the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Canada. He was an alternate captain. Canada won the gold medal, beating Russia 5–4. McDavid's 11 points tied for first in the tournament. He was named to the media all-star team.

Senior International Games

McDavid first played for the Canadian senior team at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Russia. He had eight assists. He scored his only goal in the gold-medal game against Finland. Canada won 2–0. That same year, McDavid captained Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He had three assists, but the team was eliminated early.

In 2018, McDavid captained Team Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Denmark. He had five goals and 13 points. Canada finished fourth, without a medal. McDavid finished third in tournament scoring with 17 points. He planned to play in the 2019 World Championship but was injured.

McDavid was chosen for the Canadian team for the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, the NHL decided not to send players due to COVID-19. McDavid was disappointed, as playing in the Olympics was a childhood dream.

McDavid was named to Team Canada for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. He was an alternate captain. He scored three goals and five points in four games. This included the winning goal in the final against Team USA. Canada won the gold medal, McDavid's first international gold since 2016. He was named Player of the Game in the finals.

Player Profile

Connor McDavid is often called "McJesus" by fans. Many players, fans, and writers see him as one of the best players in the NHL today. They often compare him to top offensive players like Sidney Crosby. In a 2017 survey, defenseman Seth Jones said McDavid was "what Crosby was when he was 20." Goalie Tuukka Rask said McDavid's skating and stick handling 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 2019 and 2020. In 2021, he and Wayne Gretzky became the only players to win the Hart Memorial Trophy unanimously.

McDavid's speed on the ice is often highlighted as a key strength. Players like Auston Matthews and Ryan Getzlaf have praised his speed. John Tavares noted McDavid's ability to adapt. While praised for his offense, some journalists have criticized his defensive play. They point to his high rate of turning over the puck in his own zone.

Personal Life

McDavid met his wife, interior designer Lauren Kyle, in 2016. They were set up on a blind date. They live in Edmonton with their dog, Lenard, a miniature Bernedoodle. Their house was featured in EDify magazine and Architectural Digest. Its simple design and the view of the Edmonton River Valley became an Internet meme. McDavid and Kyle got engaged on June 22, 2023. They married on July 27, 2024, in Muskoka, Ontario. The wedding was featured in Vogue. Oilers teammates Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse were groomsmen.

Growing up in Ontario, McDavid was a big fan of Mats Sundin and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He said his childhood bedroom was "pretty embarrassing" because of all the Maple Leafs stuff. In 2023, he said he "likes watching players more than teams." He enjoys watching the Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins for this reason. Outside of hockey, he supports the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Blue Jays game in 2016.

In 2017, Electronic Arts announced McDavid would be on the cover of NHL 18, a video game. His unique skating style also inspired new technology in NHL 19. In 2022, McDavid appeared on Cheerios cereal boxes. He was part of their "Be the Cheer" promotion for Olympic athletes. That same year, he became the first active athlete to be a brand ambassador for sports betting company BetMGM.

Philanthropy

McDavid helps with charity efforts for Edmonton's Indigenous community. He has raised $85,000 to help Indigenous children play sports. He also helps with a program that transports sick kids.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

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

International

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	4N			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 old when named)
• 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)

Images for kids

• 

  McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers in February 2022

• 

  McDavid with the Erie Otters in 2013

• 

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

• 

  McDavid (left) defends against Garnet Hathaway in February 2022

• 

  McDavid with Team Canada in 2016

See also

In Spanish: Connor McDavid para niños