Former first round pick discussed in trade between Jets and Capitals

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Daniel Lucente
July 29, 2024 (4:52 PM)

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The Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets nearly made a trade at the NHL entry draft last month involving a former first round draft pick.

The Capitals have made a ton of moves since free agency began in an attempt to re-tool their roster to give Alex Ovechkin the best shot he has at not only breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record, but at winning another Stanley Cup. The problem with all these additions is that former first round pick Connor McMichael has been severely pushed down the depth chart, and will likely need to be traded if he wants to continue to grow and flourish at the NHL level.

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press stated that the Jets and Capitals heavily discussed a trade at the NHL draft involving McMichael.

"There was some chatter around the 2024 NHL Draft that the Jets and Capitals were considering a deal that involved centre Connor McMichael. McMichael is under contract for two more seasons at $2.1M and then will be a restricted free agent. McMichael was bumped down the depth chart with the arrival of former Jets centre PL Dubois." Wiebe said.

Wiebe also mentioned that Jets head coach Scott Arniel is very familiar with McMichael as he used to be an assistant coach with the Capitals.

"Jets head coach Scott Arniel would be familiar with McMichael from his time with the Capitals and he would immediately find himself in the battle for the 2C job that is vacant after the departure of Sean Monahan in free agency." Wiebe said.

McMichael played in 80 games last season, setting new career highs in goals, assists and points. He had a total of 33 points, 18 of those being goals, however struggled keeping the puck out of his own net with a minus-20 rating.

Credit: Blades of Steel
Capitals & Jets reportedly discussed trade involving former first round pick

Source: HockeyDB
Connor McMichael Statistics