Next up on our Washington Capitals report card is Connor McMichael, who had a good first full season with the team and has only a bright future ahead of him. In 68 games he had nine goals and nine assists for 18 points. He should have an even bigger role next season as the third line center full time.
McMichael had one assist in four playoff games. In the regular season he averaged 10:28 minutes of ice time and had 22 blocks and 46 hits. He had a plus minus of minus three.
McMichael had some decent advanced stats in the regular season. He had a Corsi For percentage of 52.24 percent, an Expected Goals For percentage of 56.45 percent, and a High Danger Chances For percentage of 55.34 percent, per Natural Stat Trick.
In the playoffs, they dipped like the rest of the team. He had a Corsi For percentage of just 43.14 percent, an Expected Goals For percentage of 44.42 percent, and a High Danger Chances For percentage of 46.15 percent.
Part of the problem that many fans clamored for was his lack of playing time but the Caps were already stocked at the center position. But he should have gotten looks on the power play. He mostly found time on the wing. Playing center next season can only make his numbers go up and perhaps he could even flirt with a 20 goal season next year.
The bottom line is the Caps need to get younger and that starts with the 2019 first round pick. It’s funny that his teammates already call him McJesus, a nod to what the Edmonton Oilers players and fans call Connor McDavid.
McMichael is just 21 years old and has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $863,333. With Nicklas Backstrom’s status up in the air and even Lars Eller’s future uncertain, perhaps McMichael could play at second line center with Evgeny Kuznetsov centering the top line.
Grade B: Connor McMichael has a bright future ahead of him and he will be fun to watch next season on a bigger role.