Connor McDavid Makes History as 1st Player Ever Named to 99 Club in EA's NHL Video Game

After once again finishing as the NHL's leading point-scorer in 2025-26, Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid was rewarded with a historic achievement.

EA Sports announced on Monday that McDavid received a 99 overall rating in the upcoming NHL 27, making him the first player ever to be included in the 99 Club in the history of the video game series.

EA Sports NHL 27 will release worldwide on Sept. 11 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Early access for the Deluxe Edition is available seven days in advance on Sept. 4.

According to a release, gamers who use McDavid will benefit from features unique to his 99 rating, including "Explosive Speed: Create separation and attack defenders off the rush; Elite Vision: Find passing lanes and opportunities others can't; and Unmatched Puck Control: Attack at speed and weave through traffic without slowing down."

McDavid took home the Art Ross Trophy for the sixth time in his career after finishing with 48 goals and 138 points across 82 games last season. The Oilers went 41-30-11 and lost to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs in six games after making it to the Stanley Cup Final in the previous two years.

McDavid is entering the first year of his two-year extension with the Oilers, and he will surely be motivated to lead the team on another deep run after last season's disappointing finish. His 99 rating in NHL 27 should make him even more driven to live up to expectations when the 2026-27 season commences.