When it became clear that Nicklas Backstrom wouldn’t be available to start the 2021-22 season for the Caps, all eyes turned to top prospect Connor McMichael and whether or not the 20-year-old pivot be ready to center a top-six line at the NHL level on a nightly basis.
Early returns have been quite positive, especially if you dig a little deeper than the surface-level numbers. Yes, he’s still looking for his first NHL goal and has only been credited with two assists (both coming in that wild Ottawa game). But he’s generating shots and scoring chances, both for himself and as part of an effective Caps second line.