Connor McDavid is best known for his incredible speed, play and leadership as captain of the Edmonton Oilers. But from the ice, the: NHL The superstar has a completely different, quieter life. Golf has become a favorite offseason activity, while time with wife Lauren Kyle McDavid, family and longtime friends provides a break from the demands of professional hockey. His 2026 offseason has already tipped the balance in a more obvious way.McDavid was surprised with his fifth Ted Lindsay Award in June while golfing with Lauren, his family and childhood friends at Magna Golf Club in Ontario. Most recently, he teamed up with Edmonton Oilers teammates Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl in the Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic, a charity golf tournament that has raised more than $3 million since its inception. Off the ice, McDavid continues to support Edmonton-based community initiatives and maintain the health and fitness habits necessary for another NHL season.
Golf is Connor McDavid’s favorite sport besides hockey
Golf also appears to be one of McDavid’s favorite ways to kill time away from hockey. The game gives the Edmonton Oilers captain a way to compete without the physical toll of an NHL game and gives him more time to spend with the people closest to him.The situation makes sense, though, because it feels like golf is part of McDavid and Lauren’s regular offseason routine and not an obligation to the celebrity.
| Golf related activities: | Connor McDavid connection | What does it show? |
| Casual golf | Playing with Lauren and friends | The relaxed offseason routine |
| Magna Golf Club | Surprise Ted Lindsay Award | Family oriented entertainment |
| Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic | Joined the Oilers team | Golf and charity combined |
| Golf with friends | Long-term social activity: | Time away from the pressure of the NHL |
Connor McDavid enjoys spending quality time with family and friends
McDavid’s family is the biggest part of his life away from the Edmonton Oilers. He married Canadian designer and entrepreneur Lauren Kyle McDavid in 2024, after dating for several years. Despite McDavid’s huge profile in pro hockey, their relationship has been relatively private.Edmonton is a big part of the couple’s life at home. Lauren designed their custom home, and the pair also have a Bernedoodle named Lenard, often called Lenny. Their dog has been a familiar part of their family life for years and has been featured in many personal milestones.
| About McDavid’s personal life | Details: |
| Wife: | Lauren Kyle McDavid |
| Marriage: | 2024 |
| Home base: | Edmonton, Alberta |
| family pet: | Bernedoodle named Lenard/Lenny |
| Shared entertainment: | Golf, travel and time with family |
| Lauren’s profession: | Interior designer and entrepreneur |
Traveling helps Connor McDavid recharge
Traveling is another way McDavid gets away from the NHL schedule. The offseason allowed the pair to be more flexible with trips and time away from Edmonton before the demands of a busy campaign.Lauren and McDavid have a history at Ontario’s Lake Muskoka. The location will be the backdrop for their engagement and 2024 wedding, and Lauren describes their Muskoka cottage as a very peaceful place for the couple.
| Travel or leisure setting | McDavid connection | Main role: |
| Lake Muskoka | Place of engagement and wedding: | Peaceful family retreat |
| Edmonton | Main home base: | Family and everyday life |
| Golf destinations: | Regular offseason activity | Fun and social time |
| Vacation destinations: | Lauren shared | Mental reset and relaxation |
Strength remains a priority even away from the rink
The relaxation does not mean that McDavid is fully checked in physical preparation. Conditioning, movement and recovery should be a year-round focus for elite NHL performance.It’s also about timing. The early offseason may emphasize recovery from the NHL schedule, while the later periods place more emphasis on building back strength, conditioning and hockey-specific readiness before training camp.
| Health priority: | Why is this important for McDavid? |
| Conditioning: | Supports survival throughout the NHL season |
| Strength training | Helps maintain strength and stamina |
| Activities: | Supports skating mechanics and movement |
| Recovery: | Allowing the body to reset after competition |
| Nutrition: | Supports training and physical recovery |
| Getting ready for hockey | Assists with transition to training camp |
Connor McDavid supports charitable causes
McDavid gives back to the Edmonton community, and a recent great example was in January 2026 when he was the guest of honor at Allendale School after the students won the Ben Stelter School Fundraiser.The fundraiser, which featured 50 Edmonton-area schools, raised more than $285,000 for the Ben Stelter Foundation, which helps children and families dealing with cancer. McDavid took the opportunity to highlight the importance of young people supporting each other and the difference community involvement can make.
| Community area: | Recent example: | Effect: |
| Childhood cancer | Ben Stelter School Fundraiser | Over $285,000 was raised |
| Youth sport | Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation | 65,449 children reached in 2025 |
| Applicable hockey: | Every Child Deserves A Shot | Removing barriers to participation |
| Charity Collection: | CIBC Miracle Day | $250,000 donation to EOCF |
| Community involvement: | School and youth demonstrations: | Connecting McDavid with Edmonton families |
How Connor McDavid spent his offseason
McDavid’s offseason wasn’t so much a step away from hockey as it was a balancing act. On the relaxing side, golf, travel, and family time, and on the competitive side, conditioning, recovery, and preparation.The golf course is a very convenient middle ground. It allows McDavid to compete, socialize and enjoy the outdoors without the intensity of the NHL game. His surprise June 2026 Ted Lindsay included Lauren, family and childhood friends and showed how close golf can intersect with his personal life.
| Offseason period: | McDavid probably pointed out |
| Initial break: | Rest and recovery |
| Early summer: | Family, golf and fun |
| midsummer: | Travel, golf and social activities |
| Later in the summer: | Conditioning and structured training |
| preseason: | Preparation specific to hockey |
| NHL return | Edmonton Oilers competition |
Why fans admire Connor McDavid beyond hockey
What’s interesting about McDavid’s lifestyle is that it doesn’t seem to be part of celebrity culture. He is one of the most recognizable players in the NHL, but much of his public life off the ice revolves around golf, family, charity and the Edmonton community.That combination further explains the excitement fans have developed for McDavid’s life off the ice. There is no excessive entertainment or continuously busy celebrity schedule that defines the NHL captain’s off-season. It is instead about balance.
| Quality without ice: | How this is reflected in McDavid’s lifestyle |
| Family focus: | Time with Lauren, relatives and friends |
| Entertainment: | Golf and travel |
| Fitness: | Year-round physical preparation |
| Recovery: | Rest and reset the mind between periods |
| Community involvement: | Youth and children’s charity initiatives |
| Privacy: | Limited exposure to everyday personal life |
Connor McDavid’s life outside of hockey is simple. Golf, family, travel, fitness, recovery and giving back. At the end of the day, that’s the formula. The 2026 offseason provided some great examples, from winning the Ted Lindsay Award during a golf outing with Lauren and family, to participating in the Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic, and supporting youth initiatives in Edmonton.