Washington Capitals: 2019 predictions for Connor McMichael
The Washington Capitals officially signed their top 2019 draft pick Connor McMichael to an entry-level contract on Friday.
The Washington Capitals not only drafted a forward with their 25th selection in the first round of the draft but selected someone with a name that won’t be difficult to remember. Connor McMichael comes from an elite hockey program in the London Knights of the OHL (Ontario Hockey League).
McMichael had a solid development camp, including a goal in the prospect scrimmage on the final day, in Arlington and is the third 2019 draft pick to get signed this offseason. McMichael’s entry-level deal is worth three-years and will carry an average annual value of $832,500, including a $92,500 signing bonus each year that’ll make the AAV of up to $925,000 a year.
McMichael led the Knights with 72 points and was tied for second in goals with 36 to go along with 36 assists in 67 games. This a big improvement from a 16-point (8 goals, 8 assist) season in 60 combined games between the Hamilton Bulldogs and London Knights, whom he joined in the middle of the 2017-18 season from involvement in a blockbuster trade that sent Robert Thomas to Hamilton.
More from Capitals News
- Breaking down the Rookie Camp roster
- Hear what Magic Johnson said about Alex Ovechkin
- Capitals announce Rookie Camp schedule
- Breaking down the 2023-24 Capitals national TV schedule
- Capitals Alumni Weekend is coming back
McMichael not only participated in the Capitals annual summer development camp but was additionally added to the roster for Canada’s National Junior Team’s development camp that’ll run from July 27-Aug. 3 in Plymouth, Michigan.
McMichael represented Team Canada in the 2017 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, recording four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in six games with Canada White. As far as international expectations go, don’t be surprised to see McMichael represent Team Canada in this year’s World Junior Championships.
Although McMichael is just 18, he already has a wealth of two years of experience in the OHL under his belt including one full season playing under the leadership of Knights head coach and Capitals legend Dale Hunter. As the first forward selected by the Capitals since Jakub Vrana (at 13th overall) in 2014, there isn’t a rush to get McMichael to the NHL with plenty of centers already in stock on the current roster.
McMichael will spend this upcoming season in London and depending on where his game is at and where the Hershey Bears are, could make the jump to the AHL one season from now. Even if he doesn’t, McMichael is in the right place with the right leadership in London.
The Knights had a strong 2018-19 season with a 46-15-6 record for 90 points, the best record in the OHL’s Western Conference. They swept their first round series before falling to the Guelph Storm in the second round. With McMichael leading the charge, the Knights look for an even deeper playoff run.
Next. 2019 predictions for Brett Leason. dark
Expect McMichael’s game to continue trending upward this OHL season with a 40 goal-40 assist campaign a strong possibility. The best case scenario would be to have another strong OHL season and an opportunity to make the Hershey Bears roster in 2020. It may seem like a distant vision from now: McMichael donning a red Capitals sweater, but following him this upcoming season will be worth keeping an eye on.