If you have ever flipped on an Edmonton Oilers game, you've seen it. That blur of blue, orange, and white streaking down the wing, leaving defenders in the dust. And on the back of that jersey? Two digits that have become the gold standard of modern hockey. So, what number is Connor McDavid?
Basically, the answer is 97.
But honestly, it is way more than just a number at this point. In the world of the NHL, where "classic" numbers like 9, 11, or 19 usually dominate the rafters, seeing a 97 is a bit different. It’s a statement. For McDavid, those two numbers represent a legacy that started long before he was lifting Hart Trophies or breaking Wayne Gretzky's records in Edmonton.
Why 97 is More Than a Jersey Choice
Most kids pick a number because their favorite player wore it. You've got thousands of kids wearing 87 because of Sidney Crosby or 8 because of Alex Ovechkin. McDavid went a different route. He was born on January 13, 1997, in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
When he was just seven years old, he made a team of eight-year-olds. Because he was playing "up" an age group, most of his teammates were born in 1996. He decided to represent his own birth year. Simple as that. He liked how it looked, and he stuck with it.
He didn't realize it then, but he was joining a trend of generational talents who wear their birth year. Crosby has 87 for August 7, 1987. Patrick Kane wore 88 for 1988. It’s kinda become a "superstar" thing to do.
The Junior Years in Erie
Before he was "McJesus" in the NHL, he was the phenom for the Erie Otters in the OHL. He wore 97 there, too. He was so dominant in that sweater that the organization actually retired the number in January 2025. Imagine being so good at 18 that a team says, "Yeah, nobody else is ever allowed to touch this number again."
Shattering the "High Number" Taboo
For a long time, old-school hockey people hated high numbers. If you wore something over 30, people thought you were a training camp invitee or a flashy kid who didn't respect the game. Lou Lamoriello, the legendary executive, famously made players wear low numbers for years.
Then came McDavid.
When he entered the league in 2015, he didn't change for the sake of "tradition." He kept the 97. Now, looking at the stats, it’s hard to argue with the choice. As of early 2026, he’s already hit massive milestones.
- Just this January, he recorded his 10th season with 50+ assists.
- He passed Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri for the most 50-assist seasons in Oilers history.
- He’s currently chasing his sixth Art Ross Trophy.
When you're putting up those kinds of numbers, you can wear whatever you want on your back. Honestly, if he wanted to wear a 00, people would probably just start calling it the "Great Double Zero."
The McDavid Impact in Edmonton
You can't walk a block in downtown Edmonton without seeing a 97 jersey. It has become the identity of the city’s sports scene. Since being named the youngest captain in NHL history at 19 years old, he has carried the weight of a franchise that was desperate for success after the "Glory Days" of the 80s.
He isn't just a guy who wears a number; he’s a guy who defines it. Before McDavid, you might think of Jeremy Roenick when you saw 97. Roenick was a legend, sure. But McDavid has taken that number to an entirely different stratosphere.
Recent 2025-26 Season Highlights
As we sit here in January 2026, McDavid is 29 years old and somehow still getting better.
- He recently went on a 20-game point streak.
- He’s sitting around 82 points in just 47 games.
- He’s leading the league in playmaking while the Oilers push for another Stanley Cup run.
It’s actually wild to watch. Most players start to decline or at least plateau as they hit 30. McDavid looks like he’s playing a video game on "Rookie" difficulty.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About the Number
People often think there’s some deep, mystical reason for the 97. They try to find hidden meanings or think it’s a tribute to a specific coach. Nope. It really just comes back to a seven-year-old kid who wanted to stand out from the 1996-born kids he was playing against.
That confidence—the "I'm going to be myself" attitude—is exactly what makes him the best player in the world. He didn't try to be the next Gretzky (number 99) or the next Mario Lemieux (number 66). He wanted to be the first 97.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to grab a piece of history or just want to represent the best in the game, here is what you should know about the 97 brand:
- Check the Authentics: If you’re buying a jersey, look for the "On-Ice" authentic versions. The cresting on a 97 jersey is specific, and because of the high volume of fakes, you want to ensure the numbering font matches the Oilers' official style.
- The Alternate Luck: Interestingly, the Oilers have been statistically better in their alternate jerseys this season. If you’re a superstitious fan, that’s the 97 jersey you want to wear on game night.
- Follow the Milestone Tracker: McDavid is currently approaching the 1,200-point mark. Every game he plays in that 97 sweater is potentially a piece of history.
- Jersey Retirement Watch: While Erie has already retired the number, it’s a foregone conclusion that the Oilers will eventually hang 97 in the rafters of Rogers Place. Keeping a "rookie era" 97 jersey in good condition is a smart move for any collector.
At the end of the day, Connor McDavid is 97 because he was born to play this game in that year. Whether he’s lifting a trophy or just doing a lap in warmups, that number is now a permanent part of hockey lore.