Exceptional Status Connor McDavid & Aaron Ekblad Headline Former OHL Players in the Stanley Cup Final

The OHL representation at this year’s Stanley Cup Final is plentiful. There are a total of 19 alumni players battling it out for the greatest achievement in hockey, and the OHL is once again flexing its muscles as to why they’re one of the best development leagues.

Both franchises’ best players are products of the OHL. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid was the third player to be granted exceptional status and the Erie Otters were the fortunate winners of the McDavid sweepstakes.

Then on Florida, you got the pestful Matthew Tkachuk who spent his last season before turning pro winning an OHL Championship and a Memorial Cup with the London Knights in 2016.

Additionally, Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad also was granted exceptional status to play in the OHL a year early. This marks the first time in history that two exceptional status players will face off in the Stanley Cup Final. 

The two head honchos behind the bench are alumni as well, and have won an OHL Championship as a Head Coach.

Florida’s Paul Maurice played in the league for four seasons with the Windsor Spitfires from 1984-1987. He began his coaching career immediately after playing and was an Assistant Coach for six seasons and a Head Coach for three during the years of 1987-1995.

Edmonton’s Head Coach Kris Knoblauch coached the Erie Otters from 2012-2017, winning a championship with them in 2017 and Coach of the Year in 2015-16.

Here are the OHL alumni playing in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final along with how many seasons they played in the league for and their career statistics. 

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid - Erie Otters
3 seasons, 200gp, 122 goals, 353 points

Adam Henrique - Windsor Spitfires
4 seasons, 282gp, 141 goals, 275 points

Connor Brown - Erie Otters
3 seasons, 213gp, 106 goals, 268 points

Corey Perry - London Knights
4 seasons, 312gp, 167 goals, 468 points

Warren Foegele - Kingston Frontenacs/Erie Otters
2 seasons, 144gp, 61 goals, 147 points

Ryan McLeod - Mississauga Steelheads
4 seasons, 301gp, 73 goals, 233 points

Sam Carrick - Brampton Battalion 
4 seasons, 295gp, 91 goals, 183 points

Sam Gagner - London Knights
1 season, 69, 42 goals, 147 points

Evan Bouchard - London Knights
4 seasons, 262gp, 62 goals, 236 points

Darnell Nurse - Soo Greyhounds
4 seasons, 250gp, 43 goals, 154 points

Cody Ceci - Ottawa 67's/Owen Sound Attack
4 seasons, 311gp, 52 goals, 200 points

Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk - London Knights
1 season, 75gp, 50 goals, 147 points

Carter Verhaeghe - Niagara IceDogs
4 seasons, 303gp, 94 goals, 249 points

Sam Bennett - Kingston Frontenacs
3 seasons, 143gp, 70 goals, 170 points

Steven Lorentz - Peterborough Petes
4 seasons, 282gp, 88 goals, 188 points

Nick Cousins - Soo Greyhounds
4 seasons, 275gp, 105 goals, 298 points

Jonah Gadjovich - Owen Sound Attack 
4 seasons, 263gp, 96 goals, 168 points

Aaron Ekblad - Barrie Colts
3 seasons, 219gp, 51 goals, 144 points

Anthony Stolarz - London Knights
2 seasons, 76gp, 54-12-5, 2.44GAA, .924SV%

To little surprise, the London Knights have the most alumni, with five. Also, a notable stat is that Nick Cousins's 298 career points rank second only to Connor McDavid.

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