Connor McMichael was reportedly involved in legitimate trade discussions at the 2024 NHL Draft.
According to Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press, the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets discussed a deal that involved McMichael at the end of June. The 23-year-old forward would sign a two-year extension with Washington just days later.
The Jets are somewhat familiar with McMichael through head coach Scott Arniel who was an assistant with the Capitals during McMichael’s rookie NHL campaign. The team also does not have a second-line center.
Winnipeg was heavily reported to be trying to find a suitor for top prospect Rutger McGroarty at the time of the trade rumblings. McGroarty’s qualm with the Jets is that he wants to play in the NHL as soon as possible but Winnipeg has chosen not to free up a spot for him to do so. The result has been McGroarty refusing to sign his entry-level deal with the club.
Washington was then directly mentioned in rumors for McGroarty soon after the draft concluded.
The Capitals added potential first-line center Pierre-Luc Dubois in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings earlier in the offseason and now have four other centers on their roster including McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre, Dylan Strome, and Nic Dowd.
Head coach Spencer Carbery seemed to indicate at Capitals Development Camp that McMichael would be the most natural fit to play on the wing of the five players. The club may consider him the most expendable of the pivot logjam especially when the return could be a top prospect like McGroarty.
McMichael recorded 33 points (18g, 15a) in 80 games last season and was one of just four Capitals players to dress for at least 80 games. His bridge deal will see him remain under contract through the 2026-27 season and then be a restricted free agent again.
The Jets have yet to solve their issues at center, finding no luck in free agency after striking out on a target like Adam Henrique who ultimately signed with the Edmonton Oilers. They also tried to extend Monahan but failed and he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
S/T to Pro Hockey Rumors
