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 totally different, quieter life. Golf has become a favorite offseason 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 into focus that balance in a particularly clear 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 at the Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic, a charity golf tournament that has raised over $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 needed for another NHL season.
Golf is Connor McDavid’s favorite sport outside hockey
Golf also appears to be one of McDavid’s favorite ways to kill time away from hockey. The sport gives the Edmonton Oilers captain a way to compete without the physical toll of an NHL game and gives him several hours to spend with the people closest to him.The setting made sense, however, as it felt like golf is a part of McDavid and Lauren’s normal offseason routine and not just a celebrity obligation.
| Golf-related activity | Connor McDavid’s connection | What it shows |
| Casual golf | Plays with Lauren and friends | Relaxed offseason routine |
| Magna Golf Club | Ted Lindsay Award surprise | Family-centered recreation |
| Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic | Joined Oilers teammates | Golf and charity combined |
| Golf with friends | Longtime 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 lives at home. Lauren designed their custom home, and the pair also have a Bernedoodle named Lenard, often referred to as Lenny. Their dog has been a familiar part of their family life over the years and has been featured in several personal milestones.
| Part of McDavid’s personal life | Details |
| Wife | Lauren Kyle McDavid |
| 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
Travel is another way McDavid can get away from the NHL schedule. The offseason allows the couple to be more flexible with trips 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 engagement and 2024 wedding, and Lauren has described their Muskoka cottage as a particularly peaceful place for the couple.
| Travel or leisure setting | Connection to McDavid | Main role |
| Lake Muskoka | Engagement and wedding location | Peaceful family retreat |
| Edmonton | Primary home base | Family and everyday life |
| Golf destinations | Regular offseason activity | Recreation and social time |
| Vacation destinations | Shared with Lauren | Mental reset and relaxation |
Fitness remains a priority even away from the rink
Relaxation doesn’t mean McDavid is completely checked out of the physical preparation. Conditioning, mobility and recovery must be a year-round focus for elite NHL performance.It is also about timing. The early offseason can put an emphasis on recovery from the NHL schedule, while the later stages put an increasing emphasis on building back strength, conditioning and hockey-specific readiness before training camp.
| Fitness priority | Why it matters for McDavid |
| Conditioning | Supports endurance across the NHL season |
| Strength training | Helps maintain power and stability |
| Mobility | Supports skating mechanics and movement |
| Recovery | Allows the body to reset after competition |
| Nutrition | Supports training and physical recovery |
| Hockey preparation | Helps transition into 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 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 stress the importance of young people supporting each other and the difference community involvement can make.
| Community area | Recent example | Impact |
| Childhood cancer | Ben Stelter School Fundraiser | More than $285,000 raised |
| Youth sports | Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation | 65,449 children reached in 2025 |
| Accessible hockey | Every Kid Deserves a Shot | Removes participation barriers |
| Charity fundraising | CIBC Miracle Day | $250,000 donation to EOCF |
| Community engagement | School and youth appearances | Connects McDavid with Edmonton families |
How Connor McDavid spends his offseason
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 has been 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 just how closely golf can intersect with his personal life.
| Offseason stage | McDavid’s likely focus |
| Initial break | Rest and recovery |
| Early summer | Family, golf and leisure |
| Mid-summer | Travel, golf and social activities |
| Later summer | Conditioning and structured training |
| Preseason | Hockey-specific preparation |
| NHL return | Edmonton Oilers competition |
Why fans admire Connor McDavid beyond hockey
What’s interesting about McDavid’s lifestyle is it doesn’t seem to be about 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.That combination largely explains the fascination fans have developed for McDavid’s life off the ice. There isn’t one extravagant hobby or continuously busy celebrity schedule that defines the NHL captain’s off-season. It is instead about balance.
| Off-ice quality | How it appears in McDavid’s lifestyle |
| Family focus | Time with Lauren, relatives and friends |
| Recreation | Golf and travel |
| Fitness | Year-round physical preparation |
| Recovery | Rest and mental reset between seasons |
| Community involvement | Youth and children’s charitable initiatives |
| Privacy | Limited exposure of everyday personal life |
Connor McDavid’s life outside of hockey is pretty simple. Golf, family, travel, fitness, recovery and giving back. At the end of the day, that’s the formula. The 2026 offseason gave 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 youth initiatives.