Capitals: Prospect Connor McMichael scores first goal of World Juniors for Canada

Washington Capitals top prospect Connor McMichael is currently taking part in the 2020 World Juniors, representing Team Canada.

The World Juniors began on Thursday and one of the matchups of the tournament’s first day featured Team Canada taking on Team USA. Connor McMichael had an awesome game and a goal to boot.

Trailing 2-0 it was the Caps first rounder’s goal that got Canada on the board and started a comeback that saw the Canadiens pull away with a 6-4 victory.

USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Shane Pinto and Arthur Kaliyev. Canada needed a spark and it was none other than McMichael who ignited the comeback.

More from International Tournaments

• Michal Kempny and Martin Fehervary represent Capitals in IIHF Worlds
• Capitals: Connor McMichael wins gold for Team Canada in World Juniors
• Washington Capitals: Three Players Win Bronze with Russia
• Washington Capitals: Five Players Go for the Gold
• Washington Capitals: Team Russia Finishes Round Robin with Win

McMichael crashed the net up the middle to tap in the puck off a pass from Los Angeles Kings prospect Akil Thomas, who fed McMichael from the boards with a centering pass. McMichael celebrated in an Ovechkin-like fashion as well.

After McMichael’s goal Canada got two more in the second from Barrett Hayton and Nolan Foote. Hayton added his second goal of the game in the third to make it 4-2 before Nicholas Robertson got one back and Pinto scored his second of the game to tie it.

At 16:49 Canada retook the lead with a goal from Alex Lafreniere, who will likely be the top pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Canada added another goal for good measure from Ty Dellandrea to cap off the scoring. Canada will next play on Saturday Dec. 28 against Russia at 1 p.m.

The 18-year old center was drafted by the Capitals over the summer with the 25th overall pick. A native of Ontario, McMichael was a rising star in the OHL coming off a 36 goal, 36 assist, 72-point season. He participated in the summer development camp before returning to the Knights who are led by Caps legend Dale Hunter.

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This season, McMichael already has 59 points with 25 goals and 34 assists in 27 games. His 59 points are the second most in the OHL. With this kind of progression one might wonder, when would McMichael be ready for the pros (as in the NHL)?

I could see McMichael withthe Hershey Bears as soon as next season. Now if something were to (I’m sorry!) happen to Nicklas Backstrom this summer and he ends up walking in free agency, then things get real interesting. Maybe there’s a chance McMichael cracks the opening night roster.

We don’t know but guessing and predicting is part of the fun and the World Juniors provide us a chance to get a glimpse into that future.