Connor McMichael’s Versatility with Capitals: “I Can Use That To My Advantage When Guys Go Down In The Lineup I Can Step Into The Wing Or The Center”

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Della Young

Washington Capitals prospect Connor McMichael spoke to the media on Monday following the conclusion of the 2021-22 Training Camp at Medstar Capitals Iceplex. Recalled from AHL’s Hershey Bears Tuesday morning and made the team’s Opening Night roster, he discussed his versatility within the Capitals lineup and how he is happy with his performance during camp.

McMichael skated in captain Alex Ovechkin’s position during Sunday’s practice. “I’m comfortable in all three of those positions,” he said in reference to playing not only center but also left-wing and right-wing. “I can use that to my advantage when guys go down in the lineup I can step into the wing or the center.”

He said his parents, Catherine and Murray, were on standby waiting to hear from him if they needed to fly to D.C. for Wednesday’s season opener against the New York Rangers (7:30 PM ET, TNT). It appears that will happen after McMichael made the 2021-22 Capitals roster after being recalled Tuesday morning from the Bears. He and forward Beck Malenstyn were re-assigned to Hershey on Monday (paper transaction) in order for the team to save on their daily salary cap hit.

“I feel like I fit in pretty well,” he said on playing with center Evgeny Kuznetsov and forward Tom Wilson on the top line. “I’m a smart player, I’m fast…I feel I’ll be able to bring some energy to that line.” McMichael noted that he “isn’t much of a fighter” in response to all eyes focusing on Wilson and the anticipated physicality tomorrow night between the Capitals and Rangers.

McMichael feels that despite not “showing up on the stat sheet as much as I’d like,” he is satisfied with the “little things” during his performance such as winning face-offs, bringing energy, and creating chances for the team. “I’m pretty happy overall with how I’ve been playing,” he said.

By Della Young

About Della Young

Della Young is an aspiring novelist and screenwriter who earned a BFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University in 2021. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Screenwriting from Regent University. Della comes from a family of big Capitals fans and became inspired to start writing for hockey in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and working on both sides of the camera. Follow Della on Twitter: @dellayoung
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1 Response to Connor McMichael’s Versatility with Capitals: “I Can Use That To My Advantage When Guys Go Down In The Lineup I Can Step Into The Wing Or The Center”

  1. Marky says:
    October 12, 2021 at 8:39 pm

    I like his confidence. This experience will certainly help him for next year and beyond as a permanent Caps player.

    Reply

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