Canadian · Richmond Hill, Ontario · Born 13 January 1997Canadian ice hockey center widely considered the best player in the world, known for exceptional speed, skill, and playmaking ability in the NHL.
Connor McDavid was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario in 1997. Edmonton Oilers selected him first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft — the consensus best prospect the sport had seen since Sidney Crosby. His career points-per-game average of 1.37 is the highest in NHL history for any player since Wayne Gretzky. He has won the Art Ross Trophy as scoring champion four times (2017, 2018, 2021, 2023). He has won the Hart Trophy three times (2017, 2021, 2023) and the Ted Lindsay Award — voted by fellow players — five times. He won the Calder Trophy as best rookie in 2016. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2024 despite the Oilers losing the Stanley Cup Finals to Florida in seven games. He won Olympic gold with Canada in 2022. His skating speed — officially measured as the fastest in NHL history — combined with his puck-handling at top speed, his creativity in tight spaces and his two-way commitment make him the consensus best player in the world across multiple seasons. He is compared to Gretzky as the defining player of his era. McDavid led the NHL in points and assists during the 2025-26 regular season, reaffirming his status as the game's premier playmaker.
Becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at age 19 with the Edmonton Oilers in 2016.
How They Played
McDavid possesses exceptional speed and acceleration that allows him to separate from defenders and create scoring opportunities. His vision and passing ability enable him to set up teammates with precise feeds, while his quick release and accurate shot make him a constant scoring threat. He combines elite skating technique with exceptional puck-handling skills to navigate through traffic and maintain control in high-pressure situations.
Lasting Impact
McDavid has redefined what elite speed and skill can accomplish in modern hockey, inspiring a new generation of players to develop their skating and puck-handling abilities.
Career Honours
- Hart Trophy 4x (2017, 2021, 2023, 2025)
- Art Ross Trophy 7x
- Ted Lindsay Award 5x
- Olympic Gold 2025 (Canada)
- NHL All-Star 9x
- Conn Smythe Trophy 2025
- Stanley Cup 2025
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | 2015–2024 | 688 | 335 |
 Canada | — | 44 | 23 |
Canadian Athletes