Connor McMichael (born January 15, 2001) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a centre for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Capitals with the 25th overall pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft.
McMichael was drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the first round, eleventh overall, during the 2017 OHL Priority Draft. McMichael made his debut with the Bulldogs on September 23, 2017, and he was held to no points in a 4âÂÂ1 loss to the Niagara IceDogs. Two games later, on September 29, McMichael earned his first career OHL point, an assist on a goal by Isaac Nurse in a 2âÂÂ0 win over the Mississauga Steelheads. McMichael would have to wait until his 24th career game to score his first goal, as he scored against Cameron Lamour of the Saginaw Spirit in a 7âÂÂ1 victory on December 9. On December 17, McMichael scored a goal and an assist for his first career multi-point game in a 5âÂÂ2 win over the Peterborough Petes. On January 8, 2018, the Bulldogs traded McMichael to the London Knights for Robert Thomas and five draft picks. In 32 games with the Bulldogs during the 2017âÂÂ18 season, McMichael scored five goals and 10 points.
McMichael finished his rookie season in the OHL with the London Knights. He made his debut with the Knights on January 11, 2018, and he was held to no points in a 5âÂÂ1 loss to the Kitchener Rangers. McMichael scored his first goal with London on January 14 against Luke Richardson in a 2âÂÂ1 win over the Rangers. In 28 games with the Knights, McMichael scored three goals and six points. On March 22, McMichael played in his first career OHL playoff game, and he had no points in a 5âÂÂ4 loss to the Owen Sound Attack. In four playoff games, McMichael had no points.
McMichael saw his offensive production increase dramatically during the 2018âÂÂ19 season. In his first game of the season on September 21, McMichael had his first career multi-goal game in his OHL career, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 5âÂÂ2 win over the Windsor Spitfires. On November 30, McMichael scored his first career OHL hat trick, scoring three goals against Daniel Murphy in an 8âÂÂ1 win over the Erie Otters. One week later, on December 7, McMichael recorded his first career four point game, scoring two goals and adding two assists in an 8âÂÂ1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs. Nine days later, on December 16, McMichael had another four point game in a 5âÂÂ3 win over the Otters. McMichael finished the regular season leading the Knights with 36 goals and 72 points. On March 24, McMichael scored his first career post-season goal, scoring against Colton Incze of the Windsor Spitfires in a 5âÂÂ0 victory. On April 7, McMichael had his first career multi-point game in the post-season, earning two assists in a 7âÂÂ0 victory against the Guelph Storm. In 11 playoff games, McMichael scored two goals and five points.
McMichael was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the first round, 25th overall at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft held in Vancouver, British Columbia. On July 13, 2019, McMichael was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Capitals.
McMichael made his NHL debut on January 24, 2021, against the Buffalo Sabres. That would be the only game he would play in during the 2020âÂÂ21 NHL season as he was sent down to the Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears for the remainder of the season. However, McMichael would make the Capitals 2021âÂÂ22 roster out of training camp. He scored his first NHL goal against the Florida Panthers on November 4, 2021.
On July 1, 2024, McMichael signed a two-year contract extension with the Capitals, carrying an average annual value of $2.1 million.
On 24 October 2024, McMichael's son, Lowen, was born.