Former first round pick Connor McMichael nearly traded to Canadian team

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Josh Tupper
July 29, 2024 (8:08)

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Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets Discuss Potential Trade Involving Former First Round Pick

This summer, the Washington Capitals have been active in the free agent and trade markets, aiming to bolster their roster for the 2024-25 season. With Alexander Ovechkin still in their ranks, the Capitals are keen on remaining competitive, and General Manager Brian MacLellan has made significant moves to ensure this. The team has acquired Logan Thompson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, and Jakob Chychrun via trades, while signing free agent defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year contract.

Despite these additions, the Capitals face some tough decisions in the upcoming training camp. One notable player who might be impacted is former first-round pick Connor McMichael. The arrival of Pierre-Luc Dubois could see McMichael pushed down to the third-line center role, unless head coach Spencer Carbery decides to move him to the wing.

In a recent mailbag article, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press disclosed that the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets discussed a trade during the NHL Entry Draft last month that involved Connor McMichael.

"There was some chatter around the 2024 NHL Draft that the Jets and Capitals were considering a deal that involved centre Connor McMichael. McMichael is under contract for two more seasons at $2.1M and then will be a restricted free agent. McMichael was bumped down the depth chart with the arrival of former Jets centre PL Dubois." Wiebe said.

Wiebe also pointed out the familiarity between the Jets and McMichael, given that Jets head coach Scott Arniel was an assistant coach with the Capitals from the 2018-19 season until the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

"Jets head coach Scott Arniel would be familiar with McMichael from his time with the Capitals and he would immediately find himself in the battle for the 2C job that is vacant after the departure of Sean Monahan in free agency." Wiebe said.

Last season, McMichael played in 80 games, setting career highs in goals (18), assists (15), and points (33). However, his overall performance saw a minus-20 rating, which might be a concern for the Capitals.

As training camp approaches, it will be interesting to see if Connor McMichael remains with the Capitals or if the trade discussions with the Jets resurface. His future with the team could significantly impact Washington's lineup decisions for the new season.

Source: Winnipeg Free Press
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