Capitals wisely send Connor McMichael to Hershey

It should’ve been done sooner but in the end it had to be done regardless. The Washington Capitals sent Connor McMichael to the Hershey Bears to continue his development.

Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette refused to play McMichael for some odd reason despite all the injuries that piled up on the team. But sitting in the press box instead of playing actual minutes in the NHL or even the AHL is unhealthy for a young buck like McMichael.

Now he gets the playing time he deserves and he does so for the Chocolate and White. McMichael appeared in just six games for the Capitals this season. He recorded zero points.

McMichael will skate in the Hershey Bears lineup for their late afternoon game against the Hartford Wold Pack as we are writing this.

McMichael is slated to skate on the Bears second line. It’s the first time he’s back in the AHL since the 2020-21 season where he led the Bears in both goals and points.

The Bears are dealing with injuries to forwards Mike Vecchione, Garrett Pilon and Ethen Frank.

Laviolette told the press after the Caps Sunday practice:

"“I spoke to Connor this morning.  I think from just a development standpoint to get down there and play some games, play 20-22 minutes a night, get in the middle of the ice, take faceoffs, power play, and get some confidence back. I talked to him this morning and he was excited to go play some games.”"

Meanwhile there was more big news at today’s practice from MedStar Capitals Iceplex. T.J. Oshie and Dmitry Orlov, both of whom have lower body injuries, were full participants.

That meant they wore normal full contact jerseys and took regular line rushes. With the Caps not in game action until Wednesday, it gives them plenty of time to get into game shape.