The Washington Capitals selected center Connor McMichael, a native of Ajax, Ontario, with the 25th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Friday night. McMichael, 18, played with the OHL’s London Knights last season.
25th overall: @Capitals@con91mcmichael | @GoLondonKnights
More #NHLStats: https://t.co/zPiiKyJMKD #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/FJwchhGZR1— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2019
He recorded 36 goals, 72 points, and a +15 rating in 67 games last season. During the OHL Playoffs, McMichael tallied two goals, five points, and a -1 rating in 11 games.
#Caps assistant general manager Ross Mahoney talks with the media after picking Connor McMichael in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft.#ALLCAPS | #CapsDraft pic.twitter.com/yunr34wIJD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 22, 2019
NBC Sports Network said during their coverage of the draft that McMichael is a well-rounded top-six center. They described him as a “Swiss Army Knife” but said that his area of improvement was his level as a “high-end player.” They also said that he is likely two to three years away from playing in the NHL. McMichael is known as a versatile player.
Dobber Prospects called McMichael “an intelligent, all-around center with some top-six upside” and said that he is well-rounded. Just one skill doesn’t stand out when you watch him play. The site also says that his passing and finish are two of his best attributes.
McMichael was ranked 24th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and 28th by TSN Insider Bob McKenzie heading into the draft.
The Capitals improved their forward prospect group, which is among the league’s worst at the moment, with the selection of McMichael, who will likely return to the OHL next season. The forward is listed at 5’11” and weighs 174 pounds.
#ALLCAPS first round pick C Connor McMichael #CapsProspect pic.twitter.com/mamTUtbyD6
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 22, 2019
Rounds 2-7 of the NHL Draft will take place on Saturday at 1 PM ET and can be seen on NHL Network. Barring a trade, the Capitals will select 56th overall in Round 2 of the draft on Saturday.
McMichael will likely be at the team’s development camp in Arlington, Virginia next week.
This marked the first time that the Capitals picked a forward in the first round of the draft since they selected winger Jakub Vrana 13th overall in 2014. In two of the three instances that they have had a first-round pick since they selected a defenseman.
PRE-DRAFT RANKINGS:
#21—FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
#23—MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
#24—NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (North American Skaters)
#25—ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
#26—TSN/McKenzie
#29—HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
#29—ISS HOCKEY
By Harrison Brown