(Caps Outsider)
This morning Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan announced that 21-year-old center Connor McMichael will be loaned to the Hershey Bears. Now, he’ll finally get a chance to play on a more consistent basis. Something Capitals fans have been begging for since it became apparent, he wouldn’t see much NHL action this year under Peter Laviolette’s regime, in spite of an already thin roster.
McMichael has only suited up for 6 games of the Capitals 22-23 campaign with five PIMs and two shots on goal. A disappointing start to say the least, but I wouldn’t be so hasty to blame McMichael for his struggles. He’s averaged a measly 8 minutes this season at a position that heavily relies on muscle memory and routine. I’m no hockey coach, but that certainly hasn’t been something he’s been able to work on Washington. You can make a guy stay late after practice all you want, but that can never replace in-game reps.
Finally, McMichael is able to log more ice time and has a chance to increase his productivity. This move for should ultimately be fruitful and will enable McMichael to gel with the young corps in Hershey. A place where, historically, McMichael has had a lot of success. Appearing in all 33 of Hershey’s games, McMichael led the team in both goals and points. McMichael also earned the first AHL Rookie Team nomination by a Capitals player since John Carlson in 2010.
