Connor McDavid is best known for his incredible speed, playmaking and leadership as captain of the Edmonton Oilers. But off the ice, the NHL superstar has a completely different, quieter life. Golf has become a favorite off-season activity, while time with wife Lauren Kyle McDavid, family and longtime friends provide a break from the demands of professional hockey. His 2026 offseason has already brought this balance into focus in a particularly clear way.McDavid was surprised with his fifth Ted Lindsay Award in June while playing golf with Lauren, his family and childhood friends at Magna Golf Club in Ontario. Most recently, he teamed with Edmonton Oilers teammates Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl at 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 fitness and recovery habits that will be necessary for another NHL season.
Golf is Connor McDavid’s favorite sport outside of hockey
Golf also seems to be one of McDavid’s favorite ways to kill time away from hockey. The sport gives the captain of the Edmonton Oilers a way to compete without the physical toll of an NHL game and gives him many hours to spend with the people closest to him.The setting made sense, as it felt like golf is part of McDavid and Lauren’s normal routine and not just a celebrity obligation.
| Golf related activities | The Connor McDavid connection | What it shows |
| Casual golf | Play with Lauren and friends | Relaxed off-season routine |
| Magna Golf Club | The surprise of the Ted Lindsay Award | Family-centered recreation |
| Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic | He joined his Oilers teammates | Golf and charity combined |
| Golf with friends | Long-term social activity | Time away from NHL pressure |
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 years. Despite McDavid’s huge profile in pro hockey, their relationship has been pretty private.Edmonton is very much part of the couple’s home life. Lauren designed their custom home, and the couple also has a Bernedoodle named Lenard, often called Lenny. His dog has been a familiar part of his family life over the years and has been featured on many personal occasions.
| Part of McDavid’s personal life | Details |
| wife | Lauren Kyle McDavid |
| The marriage | 2024 |
| home base | Edmonton, Alberta |
| Family pet | Bernedoodle named Lenard/Lenny |
| Shared leisure | Golf, travel and time with family |
| Lauren’s profession | Interior designer and entrepreneur |
Traveling helps Connor McDavid recharge
The trip is another way McDavid can get away from the NHL schedule. The offseason allows the pair to be more flexible with travel and time away from Edmonton before the demands of another campaign increase.Lauren and McDavid have a history with Lake Muskoka in Ontario. The location was the backdrop for their 2024 engagement and wedding, and Lauren described their Muskoka cottage as a particularly peaceful place for the couple.
| Travel or leisure environment | Connection with McDavid | The main role |
| Lake Muskoka | Place of engagement and marriage | Quiet family retreat |
| Edmonton | Primary home base | Family and everyday life |
| Golf destinations | Regular off-season activities | Recreation and social time |
| Vacation destinations | Shared with Lauren | Mental reset and relaxation |
Fitness remains a priority even off the track
The relaxation does not mean that McDavid is completely checked by physical preparation. Conditioning, mobility and recovery should be a yearly focus for the NHL elite.It’s also about timing. The beginning of the offseason may place an emphasis on recovery from the NHL schedule, while the later stages place an increasing emphasis on strength recovery, conditioning and hockey-specific preparation before training camp.
| Fitness priority | Why it matters to McDavid |
| Conditioning | Supports endurance throughout the NHL season |
| Strength training | It helps maintain power and stability |
| The mobility | It supports skating mechanics and movement |
| Recovery | Allow the body to reset after the competition |
| Nutrition | Supports training and physical recovery |
| Hockey preparation | It helps the transition in the training camp |
Connor McDavid supports charitable causes
McDavid gives back to the Edmonton community, and a great recent 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 emphasize the importance of young people supporting each other and the difference that community involvement can make.
| Community area | Recent example | Impact |
| Childhood cancer | Ben Stelter School Fundraiser | Over $285,000 raised |
| Youth sports | Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation | 65,449 children arrived in 2025 |
| Accessible hockey | Every kid deserves a shot | Remove barriers to participation |
| Charity fundraiser | CIBC Miracle Day | Donation of $250,000 to EOCF |
| Community engagement | School and youth appearances | Connect McDavid with Edmonton families |
How Connor McDavid is spending his season
McDavid’s offseason isn’t so much a step back from hockey as it is a balancing act. On the relaxing side, golf, travel and family time, and on the competitive side, conditioning, recovery and preparation.The golf course was a particularly convenient middle ground. It allows McDavid to compete, socialize and enjoy the outdoors without the intensity of an NHL game. His surprise June 2026 Ted Lindsay included Lauren, family and childhood friends and showed how golf can intersect with his personal life.
| Off-season stage | McDavid’s likely focus |
| Initial pause | Rest and recovery |
| The beginning of summer | Family, golf and fun |
| Midsummer | Travel, golf and social activities |
| Later in the summer | Conditioning and structured training |
| Pre-season | Specific preparation for Hockey |
| Return NHL | Edmonton Oilers competition |
Why fans admire Connor McDavid beyond hockey
What’s interesting about McDavid’s lifestyle is that he doesn’t seem to be part of celebrity culture. He’s one of the NHL’s most recognizable players, but much of his public life off the ice revolves around golf, family, charity and the Edmonton community.This combination largely explains the fascination that fans have developed for McDavid’s life off the ice. There is no extravagant hobby or continuously busy celebrity schedule that defines the NHL captain’s season. It’s about balance instead.
| Quality off ice | As seen in McDavid’s lifestyle |
| Focus on family | Time with Lauren, family and friends |
| Recreation | Golf and travel |
| Fitness | Physical preparation throughout the year |
| Recovery | Rest and mental reset between seasons |
| Community involvement | Charitable initiatives for young people and children |
| Privacy | Limited exposure of daily personal life |
Connor McDavid’s life outside of hockey is pretty simple. Golf, family, travel, fitness, recovery and recovery. At the end of the day, this is 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 Edmonton’s youth initiatives.
