Connor McDavid granted exceptional player status, becomes eligible for OHL draft in April

The Ontario Hockey Federation has granted exceptional player status to Connor McDavid.

The ruling allows McDavid to enter the OHL draft at the age of 15, one year before he’s eligible.

“What a great accomplishment it is for Connor to achieve exceptional player status,” OHF Executive Director Phillip McKee said in a release. “The process established for the exceptional player is very extensive in examining all aspects of a player’s life. Connor should be very proud, just as the OHF is of him, for achieving the exceptional player status.”

McDavid, who was born Jan. 13, 1997, is coming off a 33-goal, 72-point season in 33 games with the Toronto Marlboros of the GTHL. He was named the league’s player of the year and also earned MVP status at the OHL Cup showcase, in which his team lost in the final.

McDavid becomes the third player to be granted exceptional player status after Aaron Ekblad and John Tavares.