On January 10, Connor McDavid’s number was raised to the rafters by the Erie Otters, his junior team in the OHL, in a ceremony before their game against the Saginaw Spirit.
McDavid became the third Otter to have his jersey retired, following Brad Boyes and the late Vince Scott.
Number 97 Forever! The Erie Otters have raised Connor McDavid's number to the rafters! #LetsGoOiler
— The Oil Rig (@oilrigEDM) January 11, 2025
📹: CHL TV pic.twitter.com/ZBctZaqg1F
Connor McDavid’s legacy grows
Connor McDavid has been one of the most hyped hockey players of all time, even from a young age. We have known about him since well before he was granted the exceptional player status that allowed him to join the OHL younger than his peers.
His impact in the OHL during his time in the league was immeasurable. After a highly decorated youth hockey career including many, many championships and league titles, McDavid was drafted first overall in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection by the Erie Otters.
In three seasons with the Otters, McDavid scored 97 goals (an amazing coincidence) and totalled 285 points in 166 games. Over this time, he won countless awards in the OHL, including the Red Tilson Award (given to the most outstanding player voted on by OHL media), the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award (given to the most valuable player in the OHL playoffs), and the David Branch Player of the Year Award (given to the most valuable player out of the three CHL MVPs).
McDavid also led the Otters as their captain to the 2014–15 OHL final, which they lost to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Oshawa Generals.
What accomplishments are next for Connor McDavid?
McDavid, who turns 28 next week, is already one of the most accomplished hockey players of all-time, and it seems he adds more accolades to his resume each and every season.
With a return to international hockey in 2026, we may see McDavid wearing an Olympic medal in the near future. And ideally, the ultimate goal and dream of hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Given his career trajectory, this will not be the last time McDavid watches his number 97 be lifted to the rafters. One day, we will gather at Rogers Place to watch his Oilers number rise up with the greats.
Photo by NHL on X
Forever in the rafters in Erie, Pennsylvania 💛
— NHL (@NHL) January 11, 2025
Connor McDavid's junior team, the @ErieOtters, retired his No. 97 in a special ceremony today! pic.twitter.com/ZmPKsipcn6
