Connor McDavid‘s latest individual honor came with a personal story that offered a glimpse into how long his family believed NHL greatness was possible.
The Edmonton Oilers captain was surprised with the Ted Lindsay Award at Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario, surrounded by his parents, Brian and Kelly, his wife, Lauren, and others. The award, voted on by fellow NHL players, recognizes the League’s most outstanding player and marks the fifth time McDavid has claimed the honor.
The achievement places McDavid alongside only one other player in NHL history: Wayne Gretzky. He previously won the award in 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, and 2022-23.
For Brian McDavid, the milestone also brought back memories of a nickname Connor received from his grandfather years before he became hockey’s premier star.
“He’s 29 years old and has won it for the fifth time,” Brian said about McDavid winning the award. “Wayne is the iconic player in the game, and to have Connor’s name up there with his name is just surreal. My father referred to Connor from the time he was 7 years old as ‘The Little Pro.’ And you know, I think it’s pretty apt actually.”
He called McDavid’s journey ‘surreal’ and said, “It’s been a dream in many ways. Celebrating him with something like this today makes it all worthwhile from my perspective.”
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Connor McDavid’s dominance remains unquestioned despite the Oilers’ setback
McDavid’s season once again reinforced why his peers continue to view him as the standard in the NHL. He led the League with 138 points, including 48 goals and 90 assists, recorded points in 68 games, produced 43 multipoint performances, and authored a 20-game point streak that yielded 46 points.
“This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, and to have them recognize me for an award like this means so much,” McDavid said.
He scored three hat tricks this season, and his production carried Edmonton to a sixth consecutive playoff berth. He also reached both the 400 career goals and 1,200 points milestones in the process.
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The award also highlights a growing contrast within the organization. McDavid continues to perform at an elite level, but Edmonton’s disappointing 2025-26 campaign exposed weaknesses in team defense, depth scoring and goaltending.
Individual excellence remains abundant, yet the Oilers’ path forward depends on building a stronger supporting structure around their franchise cornerstone. With McDavid entering a critical stage of his career, especially with his new 2-year $25 million contract kicking in next season, Edmonton’s offseason decisions may prove just as important as any award he adds to his collection.
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