Washington Capitals: Connor McMichael to make NHL debut

The time has finally come Washington Capitals fans! Connor McMichael will make his NHL debut in today’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Puck drop is at 3 p.m. and here’s more on how you can watch and follow along.

The unfortunate part is that McMichael’s debut comes at a time where the Caps are shorthanded but the excitement that he’s slotted into the lineup is a reason to watch this game over the football (sorry Packers and Bucs fans!).

McMichael practiced with the main group yesterday and with Tom Wilson out, still day to day with a lower body injury, it created an opportunity for McMichael to get NHL action. Before the game, the Caps took the final steps as they recalled McMichael from the taxi squad to the main roster.

McMichael will sport the number 24, an iconic number worn by the legendary Kobe Bryant. If he’s got the mamba mentality on the ice, watch out. When the Caps drafted him I mentioned that he could be a next gen star. Now we get to find out.

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McMichael was named an alternate captain for Team Canada in the 2021 World Juniors where he scored four goals and four assists for eight points while centering Canada’s top line. Last season, McMichael had a breakout year for the London Knights of the OHL scoring 47 goals and 102 points in 52 games.

Other news before the game is that defensemen Trevor van Riemsdyk will make his Caps debut and the Caps will turn to Vitek Vanecek once again in goal while Craig Anderson will back him up. Remember, Ilya Samsonov tested positive for COVID-19 which is why he will be out of the lineup.

Peter Laviolette talked about his pregame interaction with 20 year old. Via Ian Oland of Russian Machine Never Breaks:

"“We talked quick in the locker room. It was more just a message to relax and have fun and enjoy it. He’s worked hard to get to this point. He’s a good player. I just talked about some of his strengths – where he can contribute, the line he’ll be playing on. More to not to be nervous, but that he’s ready for this. Go out and play the game and do what he’s done in the past. If you can send a kid out a little bit easier about it, sometimes it’s better for him. I often find that once you get through the anthem and the first shift and it’s just hockey after that, he’s going to realize he’s been doing this all his life and play a good game for us.”"

Puck drop is at 3 p.m. and you can catch McMichael and the Caps on NBC Sports Washington. Grab your popcorn.