History of Connor McDavid in Timeline

Connor McDavid, the captain and centre for the Edmonton Oilers, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Drafted first overall in 2015, he is widely regarded as one of the best hockey players globally. His exceptional offensive skills are frequently compared to those of Wayne Gretzky, highlighting his significant impact on the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Wayne Gretzky Unanimously Won Hart Memorial Trophy

Wayne Gretzky in 1982 was the last player before McDavid to unanimously win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player.

January 13, 1997: Connor McDavid Born

Connor McDavid was born on January 13, 1997, in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Otters Reached 100 Points as a Team

In March 2014, McDavid helped the Otters reach 100 points as a team for the first time since 2001.

2003: Jean-Sébastien Giguère Won Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2003, Jean-Sébastien Giguère was the last player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy before McDavid won it without winning the Stanley Cup in 2024.

2005: John Tavares Granted Exceptional Player Status

In 2005, John Tavares became the first Ontario Hockey League (OHL) player to be granted exceptional player status, before McDavid received it in 2012.

2005: Sam Gagner Recorded 17 points in OHL Cup Games

Sam Gagner recorded 17 points in five games during the 2005 OHL Cup tournament, this was the most points by any player until McDavid recorded 19 points in 2012.

2006: Oilers Last Stanley Cup Finals

The 2023-24 season marked the first time the Oilers had made it to the Stanley Cup Finals since 2006.

2009: Participated in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2009, McDavid participated in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with his York Simcoe team.

2011: Aaron Ekblad Granted Exceptional Player Status

In 2011, Aaron Ekblad became the second Ontario Hockey League (OHL) player to be granted exceptional player status, before McDavid received it in 2012.

2011: McDavid Joined Toronto Marlboros

In 2011, McDavid left the York Simcoe Express for the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).

April 7, 2012: Drafted First Overall by the Erie Otters

On April 7, 2012, the Erie Otters selected McDavid first overall in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

2012: Granted Exceptional Player Status and Drafted by Erie Otters

In 2012, McDavid was granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada, allowing him to play junior ice hockey at 15. That year, the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) selected him first overall in the draft.

2012: Won GTHL Player of the Year Award

In 2012, McDavid won the GTHL Player of the Year Award after scoring 33 goals and recording 39 assists in 33 regular season games.

2012: Joined Erie Otters

McDavid joined the Erie Otters for the 2012-13 season, where he scored his first OHL goal on September 21.

March 10, 2013: Set Franchise Record for Rookie Assists

On March 10, 2013, McDavid picked up his 37th assist of the season, setting a franchise record for rookie assists for the Erie Otters.

2013: World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2013, Connor McDavid played in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, leading Team Ontario with nine points but ultimately losing to Team Pacific. He was named to the tournament all-star team despite the loss.

2013: Won Gold at IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2013, McDavid represented Canada and won a gold medal at the IIHF World U18 Championships.

2013: Otters opened the 2013-14 season

The Otters opened the 2013-14 season with 25 points in their first 15 games, including a 10-game winning streak. McDavid had five goals and 28 points personally during this stretch.

2014: Awards from OHL and CHL

At the end of the 2014-15 season, McDavid received a number of awards from the OHL and CHL, including the Bobby Smith Trophy, CHL Scholastic Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.

2014: 2014-15 OHL Season

During the 2014-15 season, McDavid recorded 120 points and received several OHL and CHL awards, including the Red Tilson Trophy, Wayne Gretzky 99 Award, and CHL Player of the Year awards.

2014: Named Otters Captain

During training camp for the 2014-15 season, McDavid was named the captain of the Erie Otters.

2014: World Junior Ice Hockey Championship

In 2014, McDavid joined the Canadian junior team for the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. He recorded a goal and three assists, but Canada lost the bronze medal match to Russia.

2014: Named OHL Scholastic Player of the Year

In 2014, McDavid won the Bobby Smith Trophy for the OHL's Scholastic Player of the Year and was named the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year with a 92 percent average at McDowell High School.

July 3, 2015: Signs entry-level contract with the Oilers

On July 3, 2015, Connor McDavid signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers worth $11.3 million, including up to $3.775 million annually in bonus incentives.

October 9, 2015: NHL debut

On October 9, 2015, Connor McDavid made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers. He nearly scored twice but was stopped by Brian Elliott in a 3–1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

2015: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

During the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Canada, McDavid served as an alternate captain and helped Canada secure the gold medal. He tied for first in tournament points with 11 and was named to the media all-star team.

2015: Drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers

In 2015, McDavid was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL entry draft.

2015: Joined the Oilers for the 2015-16 Season

McDavid joined the Oilers for the 2015–16 season.

2015: Broke Hand in Fight

On November 11, 2014, McDavid broke his hand in a fight with Bryson Cianfrone of the Mississauga Steelheads during the 2014-15 season. He returned on January 8, 2015.

October 5, 2016: Named Oilers Captain

On October 5, 2016, Connor McDavid was named the captain of the Edmonton Oilers for the 2016-17 season, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at 19 years and 266 days old.

December 18, 2016: First Shootout Goal

On December 18, 2016, Connor McDavid scored his first career shootout goal against Ben Bishop to secure a 3–2 victory for the Edmonton Oilers against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2016: ESPN Asks What Makes McDavid a Strong Player

In 2016, ESPN interviewed multiple hockey players about what made McDavid such a strong player. Many players, including Auston Matthews, Ryan Getzlaf, Joe Thornton, and Brendan Gallagher, cited his speed on the ice as a key factor.

2016: IIHF World Championship & World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, McDavid joined the Canadian senior team for the IIHF World Championship, scoring a goal in the gold-medal match against Finland to secure the tournament win. He was also named captain of Team North America for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

2016: McDavid Meets His Future Wife, Lauren Kyle

In 2016, McDavid met Lauren Kyle on a blind date set up by Kyle's cousin and McDavid's teammate, Luke Gazdic.

2016: Ranked First in TSN Hockey's Preseason Fan Poll

In 2016, McDavid ranked first in TSN Hockey's preseason fan poll of the top 50 players in the NHL, showcasing his popularity among fans.

2016: IIHF World Championship Victory

In 2016, McDavid won his first international gold medal at the IIHF World Championship after Canada shutout Finland 2-0.

2016: Throws Out First Pitch at Blue Jays Game

In 2016, McDavid, a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Blue Jays game.

2016: Named Youngest Captain in NHL History

In 2016, at age 19, McDavid was appointed the youngest captain in NHL history by the Oilers.

March 29, 2017: Oilers clinch playoff berth

On March 29, 2017, the Edmonton Oilers clinched a berth in the 2017 playoffs after defeating the Los Angeles Kings, ending a 10-year playoff drought. McDavid scored his first NHL postseason goal in the opening-round series.

June 21, 2017: Cover Athlete for NHL 18

On June 21, 2017, Electronic Arts revealed that McDavid would be the cover athlete for NHL 18.

July 5, 2017: Signs contract extension with the Oilers

On July 5, 2017, Connor McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, set to take effect at the beginning of the 2018–19 season.

2017: McDavid Compared to Crosby

In 2017, Seth Jones described McDavid as being "what Crosby was when he was 20" in a survey from the Associated Press.

2018: Consecutive 41-goal seasons

Although the Oilers missed the Stanley Cup playoffs during the next two seasons, McDavid scored 41 goals in consecutive years following the 2016-17 season.

2018: IIHF World Championship

In 2018, McDavid captained Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship in Denmark, where the team finished without a medal. He ended the tournament third in scoring.

January 2019: Peter Chiarelli sacked as general manager

In January 2019, the Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli was sacked after years of criticism for his inability to assemble a competitive team around McDavid.

April 6, 2019: Suffers severe knee injury

On April 6, 2019, during the final game of the season, Connor McDavid crashed into the Calgary Flames' net, resulting in a complete tear of the posterior cruciate ligament and popliteus muscle, tears to both the medial and lateral meniscus, and a tibial plateau fracture.

2019: Leg Injury Prevents Participation in IIHF World Championship

In 2019, McDavid intended to play for Canada at the IIHF World Championship but was unable to participate due to a leg injury suffered at the end of the NHL season.

2019: NHL First Star of the Week

In 2019, McDavid started the season as the NHL First Star of the Week with 12 points through the first five games of the year.

2019: NHLPA Voted McDavid Best Forward

In 2019, the NHLPA voted McDavid the best forward in the league, highlighting his skill and impact.

2019: Knee Injury and Rehabilitation

In the final game of the 2018-19 season, McDavid injured his knee but underwent a nonsurgical rehabilitation process, allowing him to return for the start of the 2019-20 season.

2020: Recorded 100 Points in Shortened Season

During the 2020-21 season, which was shortened to 56 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McDavid recorded 100 points for the fourth time in his career.

2020: House Featured in EDify Magazine

In 2020, McDavid and Kyle's house was featured in EDify magazine, receiving attention for its minimalist design.

2020: Fourth All-Star Game appearance

In 2020, McDavid made his fourth All-Star Game appearance as captain of the Pacific Division. He was kept from a fourth consecutive Fastest Skater win by Mathew Barzal.

2020: NHLPA Voted McDavid Best Forward

In 2020, for the second consecutive year, the NHLPA voted McDavid the best forward in the league.

January 14, 2021: McDavid scores hat-trick against Canucks

On January 14, 2021, Connor McDavid scored the first hat-trick of the 2020–21 season in a 5–2 victory for the Oilers against the Vancouver Canucks.

May 9, 2021: McDavid reaches 100 points

On May 9, 2021, Connor McDavid reached 100 points in the 53rd game of the pandemic-shortened season during a four-point performance against the Vancouver Canucks.

November 23, 2021: McDavid's point streak ends

On November 23, 2021, Connor McDavid's 17-game point streak came to an end in a 4–1 loss to the Dallas Stars.

December 2021: NHL Declares No Players Will Participate in Olympics

In December 2021, the NHL announced that no players would be allowed to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics due to COVID-19 outbreaks, upsetting McDavid, who had dreamed of playing in the Olympics.

2021: Gretzky Praises McDavid's Maturity

In 2021, Gretzky praised McDavid's increased maturity and physicality compared to previous seasons, noting his strong body language and desire to win.

2021: Unanimously Wins Hart Memorial Trophy

In 2021, McDavid unanimously won the Hart Memorial Trophy, as voted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, joining Gretzky as the only players to achieve this.

2021: House Tour Recorded for Architectural Digest

In 2021, a video tour of McDavid and Kyle's house was recorded for Architectural Digest, later becoming an Internet meme due to its design and view.

October 12, 2022: McDavid scores hat-trick and reaches 700 career points

On October 12, 2022, Connor McDavid scored a hat-trick against the Vancouver Canucks and reached 700 career points, becoming the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach the milestone.

2022: Oilers advance to Western Conference Final

In 2022, Connor McDavid led the Oilers to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006. The Oilers were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche.

2022: Appears on Cheerios Boxes & Becomes BetMGM Brand Ambassador

In 2022, McDavid appeared on Cheerios cereal boxes as part of the "Be the Cheer" promotion and became a brand ambassador for BetMGM.

2022: Named to Canadian Roster for 2022 Winter Olympics

In 2022, McDavid was initially named to the Canadian roster for the Winter Olympics in Beijing, but NHL players were ultimately not allowed to participate due to COVID-19 concerns.

2022: Won Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy

In 2022–23, McDavid won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's leading goal-scorer.

June 22, 2023: McDavid and Kyle Become Engaged

On June 22, 2023, McDavid and Lauren Kyle got engaged, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.

2023: McDavid States He Likes Watching Players More Than Teams

In 2023, McDavid stated that he prefers watching individual players over entire teams, naming the Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins as teams he enjoys watching.

2023: Oilers reached Stanley Cup Finals

In 2023-24, McDavid captained the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals, their first appearance since 2006.

2023: Oilers hire Jeff Jackson as CEO of hockey operations

In the summer of 2023, the Oilers hired Jeff Jackson, McDavid's longtime agent, as the CEO of hockey operations.

April 15, 2024: McDavid records 100th assist

On April 15, 2024, Connor McDavid recorded his 100th assist of the 2023–24 season, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to reach the milestone.

July 27, 2024: McDavid and Kyle Get Married

On July 27, 2024, McDavid and Lauren Kyle got married in Muskoka, Ontario, with the wedding featured in Vogue. Edmonton Oilers teammates Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse were two of his groomsmen.

2024: Won Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2024, McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, despite the Oilers not winning the Stanley Cup.

January 20, 2025: McDavid suspended three games

On January 20, 2025, Connor McDavid received a three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland during a game against the Vancouver Canucks on January 18, 2025.

2025: 4 Nations Face-Off Victory

In 2025, McDavid was named alternate captain for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off and led the team to victory, securing his first international gold medal in a senior-level tournament. He scored the game-winning goal against Team USA and was named Player of the Game.