Every Connor McMichael Goal From 2024-25 / 2025-26 + Draft Profiles

[TBone]

CMC has an interesting skill set. He makes a living between the circles and cleaning up loose change in the paint and also seems to possess the ability to score on breakaways which makes his 0-for-7 career mark in shootouts a little surprising. He's also going to see plenty of time on the PK and possibly 2nd power play due his ability to find soft ice in dangerous spots. He's a left wing who's willing to scrap and probably a center only in a pinch and can play up and down the line-up making him a high end Swiss Army knife.

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

[TBone]

Here he is dancing with Parker Kelly and then getting cheap shotted by Jalen Chatfield

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

[TBone]

Corey Pronman thumbnail after McMichael was selected in 2019...

Connor McMichael, C (No. 25 overall): McMichael had a great season, as a go-to player for London when its lineup was depleted, and he continued to produce and generate shots at a high level when the roster filled out, although he tailed off toward the end. He doesn’t wow you with his tools, but he’s a quality player. McMichael is a very smart all-around hockey player. He sees the ice very well, is creative with the puck and understands the game away from the puck. He’s not the biggest guy but McMichael competes well. He gets to the net and gets back on defense. With the puck, he’s skilled but not amazingly so. He can make some space with his hands, and his shot can surprise goalies with the ability to pick corners. His skating leaves some to be desired. He has decent speed but not great for his size, and his stride is inefficient. I give a nod to his sense and production as indicators that he could play in the NHL.

London Knights assistant coach Rick Steadman on McMichael: “He makes plays. He can play up and down a lineup. He can play at both ends of the ice. He’s very skilled and has a great shot.”

Team Fit: In McMichael, the Caps get a top goal-scorer and playmaker at the junior level whom scouts praise for his hockey sense and his compete level. He tailed off toward the end of the season, but clearly the Caps liked the body of work and the player. His average skating worried me a bit, but inside the offensive zone he’s lethal. He likely becomes the Caps’ top forward prospect.

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The Hockey Writers Draft Profile

Connor McMichael – 2019 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Vancouver THW 2019 NHL Entry Draft Guide (Square)
2018-19 Team: London Knights (#11)
Date of Birth: January 15, 2001
Place of Birth: Ajax, Ontario
Ht: 6’0” Wt: 170 lbs.
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2019 first-year eligible

Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 28th (among North American Skaters)
Future Considerations: 20th
Hockeyprospect.com: 29th
McKeen’s Hockey: 22nd
ISS Hockey: 29th
Dobber Prospects: 27th
Bob McKenzie: 26th
Craig Button: 33rd

The major piece that the London Knights picked up in their Robert Thomas deal with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Connor McMichael has solidified his role with the Knights over the past couple of seasons. Following the deal in 2017-18, the center put up just six points in 28 games – followed by a fat zero as the team was swept in the first round of the OHL playoffs.

This season has been much different, however, for the 18-year-old as he finished second on the team in points with 72 – behind Kevin Hancock who spent the majority of the year in Owen Sound before joining the Knights.

That said, McMichael has developed well in the Knights’ system with 36 goals this season and using his body to get into the grimy areas – making him a tough little player to play against. While he would ideally be a bit bigger in frame, McMichael has picked up the consistency of his play over the last calendar year and continues to develop into the same type of player that the Knights traded for him – Thomas.

McMichael plays well in the defensive zone, but the focus when it comes to this player is what he does on the offensive end. Give him another year in the London Knights’ system, playing under the Hunters and he should be a memorable first-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

A fringe first-rounder, the Knights’ forward played himself into a possible top 31 pick this season. While there’s still potential that he could slide slightly to the top of the second round, McMichael should be a late first-round pick – somewhere between 25th and 31st overall.

Quotables

“McMichael is an excellent two-way player with an extremely high hockey IQ. He is a very strong puck possession player. His anticipation is very good. He is a very effective forechecker and does not shy away from playing in the dirt areas. Once he adds more muscle and mass, he should become even more effective.” – Dominic Tiano/OHL Writers

“He’s got skill, he’s got very, very good hockey sense, he can make plays and score and he has a deceptive shot as well.” – Rob Simpson/London Knights Associate General Manager

“McMichael leads the top tier London Knights in points and drives the play on a consistent basis, reminding me of Auston Matthews because he loves to rove around the hash marks and unleash his shot. One of his biggest assets is how the puck always seems to find his stick. He has a knack for knowing how to be in the right place at the right time which is an elite skill that is found in many top players at the NHL level.” – Marcus Griep/Dobber Prospects

Strengths

Shot and release
Hockey IQ and instincts
Determination
Leadership

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

Skating
Consistency
Size and filling out his frame

NHL Potential

Taken at face value, McMichael won’t be an immediate impact player at the NHL level. He may start as a bottom six forward – the way that Robert Thomas has in St. Louis this season – but has the potential to climb into a top-six role as he develops into a legitimate pro. He has the offensive ability, but it’ll come down to his overall consistency.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 3/5 | Reward – 3.5/5

[aslord]

possibly an unpopular opinion, but I would guess his inability to score in shootouts likely has something to do with the Oshie factor. If he drives the net with speed, he probably scores more often in the shootout rather than figure skating around the ice first.

[TBone]

Review from WingsNation.

It's crazy how accurate these draft profiles usually translate to the pros.

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NHL Draft Prospect Profile #30: Connor McMichael

By Cameron Kuom
May 30, 2019

The London Knights have been the gold standard when it comes to consistently producing top-end talent. Seven out of the last ten drafts they’ve had at least one player selected in the first round, which includes seven top ten picks. However, they are in danger of their current four-year run ending with no lock first round pick. Their best hope lies on the shoulders of 2019 draft eligible Connor McMichael.
McMichael came into the London system after being dealt by the eventual OHL champion Hamilton Bull Dogs in the 2017-18 season. McMichael ended up being a pivotal piece in helping the rebuilding Knights return to contender status, potting 36 goals in his first full season with London. He accomplished this feat with a strong work ethic and a nose for the net. He is ultra-reliable and will earn the trust of his coaches fast with his already stout two-way play. The absence of one true elite skill spurs doubt on how high his ceiling is but his complete game and willingness to go to the dirty areas has earned consideration for the late first round.

Player Information

Name - Connor McMichael
Position -Left Wing
Team - London (OHL)
Birthday -January 15, 2001
Height -5-foot-11
Weight -174 Pounds
Shoots -Left

Player Breakdown

Skating: 50 – Puck Skills: 50 – Hockey IQ/Sense: 55 – Physicality: 55

McMichael’s breakout season was made possible because of the commitment he puts in at both ends of the rink. As some would say, he plays the game “the right way.” He isn’t looking to cheat for offense by jumping the zone too early like some wingers tend to do, but rather, he is often taking responsibility for his assignments and makes life difficult for defensemen looking to control the blue-line. In the trenches he is usually the one scrapping for the puck, rather than hovering on the outside exchanging pokes and cross-checks.
While I don’t necessarily see McMichael becoming the guy you send over the boards to match-up against the opposition’s best player, it’s certainly easy to appreciate the maturity in his own end.

But good defensive play on its own isn’t good enough to warrant a first round pick. McMichael complements his defensive efficiency as one of the better goal scorers in this draft. But not in the traditional sense like picking the corner from far out. McMichael is an absolute machine in front of the net. Be it deflections, jam-plays, second chance rebounds, or taps in — you name it — McMichael found away near the blue-ice. 22 of his 36 goals were scored from in between the hash-marks and below.

Goal chart via prospect-stats.com

https://wingsnation.com/news/nhl-draft- ... -mcmichael

The goal chart above displays the location of all his goals from the 2018-19 season. It puts it into even more perspective of just how much he was able to find the back of the net from in-close. The willingness to go to the front of the net regularly is very appealing, considering how many players are reluctant to do so because of the abuse that goes on in that area. A player with that type of mentality is one you want on your side come playoff time.

McMichael found a great amount of success from this region of the ice because of all the pucks he was putting on net. While his 16.29 shooting percentage seems slightly high, he was giving himself a plethora of chances to score — ranking second among under-19 players in the OHL in shots on goal. Very impressive, especially for a January 2001 birthday.

Now, the knock on his game revolves around his overall skill-level. Hard skill certainly has a place in today’s game, but when you’re looking to invest top-end draft capital, the preference is for dynamic skill. Someone who can break open shifts with high-end speed or dazzling puck skills. McMichael has speed to get up ice as a puck carrier and can handle pace of play — sometimes even capable of burning defenders — but for the most part is nothing special as a transition player. His foot work can get messy at times and creates for struggles leading a rush through the neutral zone. I feel he is hindering his speed based on the tendencies shown when exiting the zone. He was at his best when he followed the play, rather than drove it.
Cycling the puck in the offensive zone leaves you wanting more as well. McMichael’s average puck skills make it difficult to create space. He’s got the grit to win puck battles down-low, but doesn’t dominate below the goal-line, struggling to stand-out as a puck protector. The majority of his impact comes from hovering around the net and going to work. I like his ability to find space for teammates to deliver the puck, then pouncing on the high percentage plays.

Likewise, McMichael can make for a dream winger for any dynamic center. He can play with pace, finish off plays, and will do the dirty work. He’d be a complementary piece, but a good one at that. In today’s NHL where obtaining elite talent doesn’t come easy, this is the kind of player who can bring value. No, he won’t pull you out of your seat with a high-end skill play, but he’s an efficient player who will be a fan favorite because of his timely goals and jubilant celebrations.

Future Development

The road to the NHL doesn’t have to be overly complicated with McMichael. He’ll need at least one more season in the OHL. Returning to first-class organization in the London Knights certainly isn’t a bad thing. Heading back to juniors won’t just be to shatter his scoring marks, but to improve his skating and gain more experience in a similar structured schedule to the pros. With that would come a chance to play at the highest level in the playoffs.

In terms of when you can expect to see him in a NHL uniform is still to be determined. Obviously, it all depends on how well he improves his mechanics. McMichael’s well-rounded defensive efforts will give him the benefit of the doubt when he nears readiness, however, I would remain patient with his development. He won’t take the league by storm due to the lack of an elite skill, which is why preparing other aspects of his game is more important. Once he arrives,the scoring may not come right away, but long-term it should all come together into a potential twenty goal scorer.

[stljrs]

Great compilation there - Thanks for putting it together. Seems like he's a perfectly serviceable middle sixer, good two-way player. The kind you do not want to overpay. I'm going out on a limb - 5 x 6.25M if they can come to an agreement prior to arbitration. I think that's a slight overpay and would rather be in the mid to upper 5M's but nowhere near 7M. We have to look ahead to Neighbors also, another middle sixer (on this team). Different type of player also going to need a new middle six role contract.

[TBone]

Great compilation there - Thanks for putting it together. Seems like he's a perfectly serviceable middle sixer, good two-way player. The kind you do not want to overpay. I'm going out on a limb - 5 x 6.25M if they can come to an agreement prior to arbitration. I think that's a slight overpay and would rather be in the mid to upper 5M's but nowhere near 7M. We have to look ahead to Neighbors also, another middle sixer (on this team). Different type of player also going to need a new middle six role contract.

I hope you're right on the contract.

Obviously goals on a highlight reel don't tell a complete story, but good lord are his mitts are cat quick in and around the crease. And his ability to go stealth, then appear in high danger spots to cash in goals is outstanding. He can pick corners. He can shoot the one timer. He can score on breakaways. He's willing to scrap. There's a lot of stuff to like here.

I wonder what his primary weaknesses are? They were willing to trade him a year ago before the draft too.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2024/07 ... trade.html

[TBone]

Here was another interesting blurb about him from 2019...

Connor McMichael was taken 25th overall by the Washington Capitals who won the Stanley Cup just over a year ago. The Capitals watched the second-year forward score 36 goals for the Knights and demonstrate a high hockey IQ in all three zones of the ice. McMichael was originally drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs and acquired by London in a deal that sent Robert Thomas to Hamilton, where he helped the Bulldogs win the 2018 OHL Championship.

McMichael was often an offensive catalyst who showed the ability to rise up in big moments. The Knights had a “Mac Attack” promotion that offered a Big Mac to everyone in the crowd if London scored a goal during a random two-minute period of time during the game. McMichael managed to score seven of the eleven “Mac Attack” goals. He was ranked between 24th and 52nd in the various scouting rankings going into the draft.

[Army's Mom]

Great compilation there - Thanks for putting it together. Seems like he's a perfectly serviceable middle sixer, good two-way player. The kind you do not want to overpay. I'm going out on a limb - 5 x 6.25M if they can come to an agreement prior to arbitration. I think that's a slight overpay and would rather be in the mid to upper 5M's but nowhere near 7M. We have to look ahead to Neighbors also, another middle sixer (on this team). Different type of player also going to need a new middle six role contract.

I hope you're right on the contract.

Obviously goals on a highlight reel don't tell a complete story, but good lord are his mitts are cat quick in and around the crease. And his ability to go stealth, then appear in high danger spots to cash in goals is outstanding. He can pick corners. He can shoot the one timer. He can score on breakaways. He's willing to scrap. There's a lot of stuff to like here.

I wonder what his primary weaknesses are? They were willing to trade him a year ago before the draft too.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2024/07 ... trade.html

Sounds a lot like a "jack of all trades, master of none" type player. That's pretty much what I thought of his time in Washington - good enough skills to be a supplemental scorer, willing enough to do the dirty work on a line, but not physically imposing enough or highly skilled enough to really take over. Someone who relies on better players but will absolutely put in the hard work, both ways. Similar to Neighbors, actually, but maybe a bit higher skilled. Was Washington wanting to trade him, or was it a case of Washington looking to add another more skilled piece and being willing to part with a high-end utility knife in return?

Interesting how he was once traded for Rob Thomas, only to now be traded for Jordan Kyrou.

[dr0zombie]

CMC has an interesting skill set. He makes a living between the circles and cleaning up loose change in the paint and also seems to possess the ability to score on breakaways which makes his 0-for-7 career mark in shootouts a little surprising. He's also going to see plenty of time on the PK and possibly 2nd power play due his ability to find soft ice in dangerous spots. He's a left wing who's willing to scrap and probably a center only in a pinch and can play up and down the line-up making him a high end Swiss Army knife.

Not to muddy the waters ..... After watching that I had to go get a similar video for Jordan Kyrou. Do a comparison with Connor McMichael fresh. Jordan Kyrou - All Goals 2025-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzMYZmM-T4

I really like the git and hockey sense you see in Connor McMichael. It is clear Jordan Kyrou is a more fluid goal scorer. That said, in back to back review it is evident Jordan Kyrou isn't doing the hard work for most of his goals. Where Connor McMichael is often down low creating the chaos that leads to his being in the right place for an opportunity.

I am liking this trade even more now after the video comparison. Kyrou will rebound in Washington. McMichael on the ice with guys like Thomas, Neighbours, Holloway, Snuggerud, that is almost cruel to do to other teams. And I am really looking forward to seeing it!

[Bubble4427]

Here was another interesting blurb about him from 2019...

Connor McMichael was taken 25th overall by the Washington Capitals who won the Stanley Cup just over a year ago. The Capitals watched the second-year forward score 36 goals for the Knights and demonstrate a high hockey IQ in all three zones of the ice. McMichael was originally drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs and acquired by London in a deal that sent Robert Thomas to Hamilton, where he helped the Bulldogs win the 2018 OHL Championship.

McMichael was often an offensive catalyst who showed the ability to rise up in big moments. The Knights had a “Mac Attack” promotion that offered a Big Mac to everyone in the crowd if London scored a goal during a random two-minute period of time during the game. McMichael managed to score seven of the eleven “Mac Attack” goals. He was ranked between 24th and 52nd in the various scouting rankings going into the draft.

People are overlooking the most important thing about McMichael. Both he and McTavish provide something that our team desperately needs, and that’s someone who will go into the tough areas to score. McTavish is an absolute beast in front of the opposition’s net. This team needed more grit. McMichael will go into areas that Kyrou wouldn’t ever go into…..it’s just not the player that he is. DA said he wanted a team that was difficult to play against. This is a good start.

[zamadoo]

CMC has an interesting skill set. He makes a living between the circles and cleaning up loose change in the paint and also seems to possess the ability to score on breakaways which makes his 0-for-7 career mark in shootouts a little surprising. He's also going to see plenty of time on the PK and possibly 2nd power play due his ability to find soft ice in dangerous spots. He's a left wing who's willing to scrap and probably a center only in a pinch and can play up and down the line-up making him a high end Swiss Army knife.

Not to muddy the waters ..... After watching that I had to go get a similar video for Jordan Kyrou. Do a comparison with Connor McMichael fresh. Jordan Kyrou - All Goals 2025-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzMYZmM-T4

I really like the git and hockey sense you see in Connor McMichael. It is clear Jordan Kyrou is a more fluid goal scorer. That said, in back to back review it is evident Jordan Kyrou isn't doing the hard work for most of his goals. Where Connor McMichael is often down low creating the chaos that leads to his being in the right place for an opportunity.

I am liking this trade even more now after the video comparison. Kyrou will rebound in Washington. McMichael on the ice with guys like Thomas, Neighbours, Holloway, Snuggerud, that is almost cruel to do to other teams. And I am really looking forward to seeing it!

Great point on watching Kyrou to compare, and your assessment matches mine. It seems like Army got the value he wanted out of Kyrou while acquiring the type of player fans on this board wanted to replace him with, and didn't really lose any speed in the process.

The way he got thrown to the ice in that 2nd fight was pretty bad though. Should defer to Johnston this season, but he seems to have some spunk, and courage. As you mentioned, what I liked best about the film I could watch was that he was gritty and going to dirty areas, and primarily scores from close in front of the net in a variety of ways.

That scouting report says it all, but I thought I read (from WSH perspective) after the trade that he ditches defense to cherry pick. Well if he has any grit, any ability to score near the net, good speed, and any defense whatsoever to go along with his cherry picking, then he is an upgraded version of Kyrou for this team.

[TBone]

People are overlooking the most important thing about McMichael. Both he and McTavish provide something that our team desperately needs, and that’s someone who will go into the tough areas to score. McTavish is an absolute beast in front of the opposition’s net. This team needed more grit. McMichael will go into areas that Kyrou wouldn’t ever go into…..it’s just not the player that he is. DA said he wanted a team that was difficult to play against. This is a good start.

Agreed. The makeover is almost complete.

Add a few more of the youngsters already in the pipeline, maybe a tweak or two, and I'll take our chances at Cup contention.

[Bubble4427]

People are overlooking the most important thing about McMichael. Both he and McTavish provide something that our team desperately needs, and that’s someone who will go into the tough areas to score. McTavish is an absolute beast in front of the opposition’s net. This team needed more grit. McMichael will go into areas that Kyrou wouldn’t ever go into…..it’s just not the player that he is. DA said he wanted a team that was difficult to play against. This is a good start.

Agreed. The makeover is almost complete.

Add a few more of the youngsters already in the pipeline, maybe a tweak or two, and I'll take our chances at Cup contention.

This team will definitely be better than last season’s team. The goaltending can’t possible be as bad as it was at the beginning of the year. If they just play average they should be better. The biggest issue that WILL keep them out of Cup contention is the defense. I believe the defense will eventually become a strength, but it’s going to take time. It might take most of the season. Anytime you try to bring 3 young defenseman who have played less than 100 games into the league at the same time….it is probably going to end up in a train wreck most night. The key is to grow and get better. If the youngsters grow and get better, the mistakes will be fewer and far between…..That is when the team could start to dominate. It’s just a matter of how long that is going to take.

[Bubble4427]

CMC has an interesting skill set. He makes a living between the circles and cleaning up loose change in the paint and also seems to possess the ability to score on breakaways which makes his 0-for-7 career mark in shootouts a little surprising. He's also going to see plenty of time on the PK and possibly 2nd power play due his ability to find soft ice in dangerous spots. He's a left wing who's willing to scrap and probably a center only in a pinch and can play up and down the line-up making him a high end Swiss Army knife.

Not to muddy the waters ..... After watching that I had to go get a similar video for Jordan Kyrou. Do a comparison with Connor McMichael fresh. Jordan Kyrou - All Goals 2025-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzMYZmM-T4

I really like the git and hockey sense you see in Connor McMichael. It is clear Jordan Kyrou is a more fluid goal scorer. That said, in back to back review it is evident Jordan Kyrou isn't doing the hard work for most of his goals. Where Connor McMichael is often down low creating the chaos that leads to his being in the right place for an opportunity.

I am liking this trade even more now after the video comparison. Kyrou will rebound in Washington. McMichael on the ice with guys like Thomas, Neighbours, Holloway, Snuggerud, that is almost cruel to do to other teams. And I am really looking forward to seeing it!

Great point on watching Kyrou to compare, and your assessment matches mine. It seems like Army got the value he wanted out of Kyrou while acquiring the type of player fans on this board wanted to replace him with, and didn't really lose any speed in the process.

The way he got thrown to the ice in that 2nd fight was pretty bad though. Should defer to Johnston this season, but he seems to have some spunk, and courage. As you mentioned, what I liked best about the film I could watch was that he was gritty and going to dirty areas, and primarily scores from close in front of the net in a variety of ways.

That scouting report says it all, but I thought I read (from WSH perspective) after the trade that he ditches defense to cherry pick. Well if he has any grit, any ability to score near the net, good speed, and any defense whatsoever to go along with his cherry picking, then he is an upgraded version of Kyrou for this team.

I can’t stress this enough, it’s not necessarily whether you win or lose a fight….it that you at least were willing to “show up”. This team had way too many players that were unwilling to do that last season. I think this team should be different…..(at least I hope so)

[CheapSeat]

CMC has an interesting skill set. He makes a living between the circles and cleaning up loose change in the paint and also seems to possess the ability to score on breakaways which makes his 0-for-7 career mark in shootouts a little surprising. He's also going to see plenty of time on the PK and possibly 2nd power play due his ability to find soft ice in dangerous spots. He's a left wing who's willing to scrap and probably a center only in a pinch and can play up and down the line-up making him a high end Swiss Army knife.

Not to muddy the waters ..... After watching that I had to go get a similar video for Jordan Kyrou. Do a comparison with Connor McMichael fresh. Jordan Kyrou - All Goals 2025-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzMYZmM-T4

I really like the git and hockey sense you see in Connor McMichael. It is clear Jordan Kyrou is a more fluid goal scorer. That said, in back to back review it is evident Jordan Kyrou isn't doing the hard work for most of his goals. Where Connor McMichael is often down low creating the chaos that leads to his being in the right place for an opportunity.

I am liking this trade even more now after the video comparison. Kyrou will rebound in Washington. McMichael on the ice with guys like Thomas, Neighbours, Holloway, Snuggerud, that is almost cruel to do to other teams. And I am really looking forward to seeing it!

Great point on watching Kyrou to compare, and your assessment matches mine. It seems like Army got the value he wanted out of Kyrou while acquiring the type of player fans on this board wanted to replace him with, and didn't really lose any speed in the process.

The way he got thrown to the ice in that 2nd fight was pretty bad though. Should defer to Johnston this season, but he seems to have some spunk, and courage. As you mentioned, what I liked best about the film I could watch was that he was gritty and going to dirty areas, and primarily scores from close in front of the net in a variety of ways.

That scouting report says it all, but I thought I read (from WSH perspective) after the trade that he ditches defense to cherry pick. Well if he has any grit, any ability to score near the net, good speed, and any defense whatsoever to go along with his cherry picking, then he is an upgraded version of Kyrou for this team.

I can’t stress this enough, it’s not necessarily whether you win or lose a fight….it that you at least were willing to “show up”. This team had way too many players that were unwilling to do that last season. I think this team should be different…..(at least I hope so)

My father would always say make sure you get your sandwich in.