Connor Mcdavid

Early life

Born on January 13, 1997, in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, Connor McDavid was almost predestined for greatness in the realm of hockey. From a tender age, his passion for the sport was unmistakable.

His mother, Kelly, briefly dabbled in ice hockey during her younger years before finding her true passion, skiing. In contrast, his father Brian was an ardent ice hockey enthusiast during his school years and an unwavering supporter of the Boston Bruins.

Connor’s journey into the world of hockey began early; by the age of three, he was already practicing his moves on rollerblades within the confines of their basement. By the next year, he had taken his first steps into organized youth hockey. His parents, eager to see him compete, stretched the truth about his age so he could join five-year-olds on the ice. However, at six, local regulations in Newmarket restricted him from playing against older kids. Concerned that he’d lose interest in basic house league games, his parents enrolled him in a more advanced program based in Aurora, Ontario. Under this program, and with his father’s guidance as a coach, Connor celebrated four championship wins with the York Simcoe Express. In 2009, he also had the opportunity to play in the esteemed Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, representing York Simcoe alongside future pro player, Sam Bennett.

Career

Junior

In his early teens, Connor McDavid entertained the idea of playing NCAA Division I hockey. However, he pivoted towards the junior ice hockey route. With exceptional talent and maturity, McDavid was granted special permission by Hockey Canada to join the junior hockey draft at 15, a year earlier than most. This status had only been given twice before in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), to John Tavares and Aaron Ekblad. In 2012, the Erie Otters seized the opportunity and drafted McDavid as their first overall pick. Consequently, he also received the prestigious 2012 Jack Ferguson Award.

McDavid’s first season with the Erie Otters in 2012-13 started with a bang. He scored his inaugural OHL goal against the London Knights and consistently exhibited an enviable form, earning him back-to-back titles of OHL Rookie of the Month. He also made history as the youngest player in the Subway Super Series. Despite facing challenges, including the physical demands of the league and playing for a struggling team, McDavid set a new franchise record for rookie assists and points, surpassing Tim Connolly’s benchmarks. Ending his first season with a commendable 66 points, he was crowned OHL’s rookie of the year.

The subsequent 2013-14 season saw the Otters’ transformation into a formidable team. McDavid played a pivotal role, chalking up 28 points in the first 15 games. His performance was recognized multiple times: he received the OHL Player of the Month honor and was selected for the Subway Super Series once again. By the season’s end, McDavid ranked fourth in the OHL scoring chart, amassing 99 points. Beyond his athletic prowess, McDavid’s impeccable sportsmanship won him the William Hanley Trophy. Moreover, his excellence in academics garnered him the Bobby Smith Trophy and the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award. Despite McDavid’s heroics in the postseason, the Otters were ousted in the Western Conference finals.

For the 2014-15 season, McDavid’s influence within the team grew, and he was named captain of the Erie Otters. He began the season in spectacular fashion, registering points in 17 of the first 18 games. However, a skirmish resulted in a hand injury sidelining him for six weeks. But upon return, McDavid’s brilliance continued, hitting the 100-point milestone in just 38 games due to his prior absence. His performance metrics soared with a +60 plus-minus rating, the highest in the OHL.

His final junior season was adorned with accolades. McDavid not only retained the Bobby Smith Trophy and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award but also won the Red Tilson Trophy and the CHL Player of the Year title. Although the Otters fell short in the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals, McDavid’s playoff contributions earned him the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award for the MVP in the OHL playoffs. Wrapping up his OHL career, McDavid stood as the most decorated player in league history, second only to Brad Boyes in terms of points and leading in assists for the Erie Otters.

Going Pro

McDavid’s hockey journey took off when he played in the minor midget Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). It was here that he first started drawing major attention, putting up astounding numbers and exhibiting playmaking abilities well beyond his years. His performance in the league led to him being granted “Exceptional Player” status by Hockey Canada, allowing him to be drafted a year early into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) at the age of 15.

Playing for the Erie Otters in the OHL, McDavid further solidified his reputation as a prodigy. He accumulated points at a staggering pace and showcased a brand of hockey that was equal parts electrifying and effective. His time with the Otters was marked with multiple awards and accolades, setting the stage for his inevitable leap to the NHL.

The Edmonton Oilers selected McDavid first overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The anticipation surrounding his debut was immense, and he didn’t disappoint. Even amidst the immense pressure, McDavid showcased why he was regarded as a generational talent, setting rookie records and wowing audiences and peers alike with his exceptional skills.

Over the ensuing years, McDavid evolved into the centerpiece of the Oilers, taking on leadership roles and continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the ice. His vision, speed, and hockey IQ set him apart, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in the modern era of the NHL.

McDavid is not just a hockey player; he’s an icon of the sport. His unparalleled talent, combined with his dedication and passion for the game, ensures that he’ll be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

Net Worth

McDavid’s net worth was estimated at over $30 million. This is an accumulation of his lucrative contracts with the Edmonton Oilers, endorsement deals, and other off-ice ventures.

Achievement

McDavid’s list of achievements is extensive despite his young age. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

NHL Scoring Titles (Art Ross Trophy): McDavid has secured multiple scoring titles, a testament to his offensive prowess.

Hart Memorial Trophy: Awarded to the NHL's Most Valuable Player, McDavid has clinched this honor, emphasizing his importance to the Oilers and the league.

Ted Lindsay Award: This accolade, voted on by NHL players, recognizes the league's most outstanding player, and McDavid has been a recipient.

Apart from these, McDavid has been named to multiple NHL All-Star teams, won the fastest skater competition, and has represented Canada at various international competitions, adding gold medals to his collection.

Social Profile

Connor McDavid is present on various social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing glimpses of his life both on and off the ice. As of 2022, you can find him on:
Instagram: @mcdavid97
Twitter: @cmcdavid97