Restricted free agent Connor McMichael is confirmed to have re-signed a new contract with the Washington Capitals. The deal for the first-round draft pick will be worth an annual average value of $2.1 million for two years.
Connor McMichael signs a two-year extension with #caps carrying a $2.1M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2024
Connor McMichael Re-Signs New Deal
Connor McMichael is poised to be a tantalizing player with his new deal. The former first-round draft pick has long carried a lot of promise, but only just established himself as a full-time NHL player last season. The Washington Capitals centre position has been solidified for a long while, but the departure of Evgeny Kuznetsov and uncertainty regarding Nicklas Backstrom left a large gap down the middle.
McMichael stepped into that role admirably, proving he make up for some of the lost minutes in the Capitals lineup. The centre averaged 15:59 of time-on-ice a game while notching 18 goals and 15 assists for 33 points. While many know the former London Knight for his playmaking acumen, he also earned some defensive responsibility on the penalty kill. The left-shooting centre also started 53.9% of his shifts in the offensive zone, requiring less sheltering than past years. The young forward also shows confidence about being able to build even more on his growth from last season. The progress Connor McMichael showed last season made him too valuable to pass up on for the Capitals. The Ontario native should continue to improve and play an important role for Washington.
McMichael’s NHL Career So Far
As Connor McMichael re-signs with the Caps, let’s review his playing career. He spent his junior career playing for the London Knights, scoring 72 points in 67 games in his draft year. The Capitals drafted the playmaker 25th overall before he scored 102 points in 57 games with the Knights in his final junior season. He also served as an alternate captain for the 2020-21 Canadian World Juniors team.
Since going pro, Connor McMichael has established himself as a high-octane scorer in the AHL while showing promise in his limited NHL minutes. McMichael played 68 games for the Capitals in 2021-22, but scored just 18 points. The Washington forward proved himself prospect no more in 2023-24 and will look to build on that experience moving forward. This contract gives McMichael the chance to do just that.
Main photo by: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
