The Washington Capitals announced on Friday afternoon that they have signed center Connor McMichael, the team’s first-round selection in the 2019 NHL Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. The team selected the 18-year old with the 25th overall pick. The contract carries an average annual value of $925,000.
McMichael 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.
He was ranked 24th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and 28th by TSN Insider Bob McKenzie heading into the draft.
McMichael was the first opening-round draft pick that the Capitals have used on a forward since 2014 when they selected Jakub Vrana 14th overall.
From The Caps
The Washington Capitals have signed forward Connor McMichael to a three-year entry level contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. McMichael’s contract will carry an average annual salary of $832,500 and will include a $92,500 signing bonus each year (yielding an average annual value of $925,000).
The Capitals selected McMichael with the 25th-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Prior to the NHL Draft, McMichael, 18, was ranked 11th overall among North American centers and 20th overall among forwards by NHL Central Scouting. The Ajax, Ont., native spent the 2018-19 season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). McMichael ranked second on London with 72 points (36g, 36a) in 67 games, while his 36 goals were tied for 20th in the OHL. The 6’0″, 182-pound forward also recorded five points (2g, 3a) in 11 playoff games.
In 127 career OHL games, between London and the Hamilton Bulldogs, McMichael has recorded 88 points (44g, 44a).
McMichael was selected to Canada’s 2019 National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp on July 8. McMichael has previously represented Canada at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, skating for Canada White, where he recorded four points (1g, 3a) in six games.
By Harrison Brown