Connor McMichael continues to dominate at the AHL level with the Hershey Bears.
The Capitals’ 2019 first-round pick scored twice against the Binghamton Devils on Saturday. His second goal ended up being the game-winner.
Without the pandemic, Connor McMichael would have likely spent the entire 2020-21 season in the OHL with the London Knights. Instead, the OHL season never began and Connor has played games with both the Washington Capitals and the AHL Hershey Bears.
Teenage hockey players that play junior hockey in Canada are subject to the CHL Transfer Agreement with the NHL. Players drafted by an NHL team usually cannot play for an AHL team until their age 20 season. The prospects must either be on an NHL roster or play with their Canadian junior team. That has put Connor in a weird spot.
The OHL is trying to get permission from the Canadian government to play an abbreviated season. If the league starts up again, Connor would be forced to return to the OHL according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
If it were up to Connor though, he would stay in Hershey.
Connor McMichael did his best Alex Ovechkin impression for the Hershey Bears on Sunday.
With the Bears down 2-1 to the Binghamton Devils late in the third period, McMichael forced overtime with a goal with 53 seconds remaining. He then scored a goal in the final second of overtime to give the Bears a 3-2 win.
This is incredible?
Connor McMichael single-handedly defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday. The Capitals’ 2019 first-round pick scored his first professional hat trick in only his fifth game in the AHL.
The three goals were the only ones Hershey scored in the game. They won 3-1.
By Ian Oland 2 months ago
Washington Capitals 2019 first-round pick, Connor McMichael, scored his first AHL goal Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Caps’ top prospect scored 8:56 into the third period on a power play.
The goal gave the Hershey Bears a 3-2 lead over their biggest rival, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, which they would not surrender, meaning McMichael’s first professional goal was a game-winner.
The Washington Capitals made several roster moves on Saturday morning with Alex Ovechkin and Dmitry Orlov off the COVID Unavailability List and Justin Schultz out hurt.
The Capitals announced that they promoted Philippe Maillet from Hershey to the Capitals’ Taxi Squad. The Capitals also announced that they had sent Connor McMichael to Hershey.
By Ian Oland 3 months ago
Connor McMichael became the 38th youngest player in Capitals franchise history to make his NHL debut (20 years and 9 days old) on Sunday.
The accomplishment had Connor’s mother, Catherine, crying at home in Ajax, Ontario, and after the game, it had the Capitals’ top prospect getting sentimental.
Catherine McMichael, Connor McMichael’s mom, may not be at Capital One Arena for her son’s NHL debut, but she’s still feeling the emotion back home in Ajax, Ontario.
Catherine posted a photo of her son as a teenager from Halloween. Connor dressed up as a hockey player and wore an Alex Ovechkin Capitals jersey.
“Not just a costume today! Have fun son and enjoy every minute. We are so proud of you! ❤️,” Catherine wrote.
Connor McMichael got the rookie treatment before his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday.
McMichael skated a few solo laps before the rest of his Capitals teammates, who paused in the hallway, joined him out on the ice.
Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette announced during his media availability that 2019 first-round pick Connor McMichael will make his NHL debut Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.
McMichael will replace Tom Wilson in the lineup.
