McMichael will go into the Capitals' training camp with a chance to earn a roster spot, but his odds of making the team were hurt by the addition of Dylan Strome. That move gives Washington Evgeny Kuznetsov, Strome, Nic Dowd, and Lars Eller up the middle, which means McMichael might need to serve as a winger to find a spot on the team. He had nine goals and 18 points in 68 contests last season. “I think it’s a competitive situation. I don’t think we’re coming in guaranteeing young guys spots in the lineup. I think, you know, part of it is you have to earn it to a certain degree,” Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said. “I think Connor’s gonna come in and he’s gonna be better than he was last year, and it’s gonna be, ‘How do we best develop him? How do we do what’s best for our lineup?’”

McMichael is projected to play on the third line with Lars Eller and Conor Sheary. McMichael had nine goals and 18 points in 68 regular season contests.

The 21-year-old had 18 points in 68 games during the regular season. He didn't suit up in Washington's Game 1 victory either. Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Matt Irwin, Michal Kempy and Zach Fucale will also watch from the press box. 

McMichael will watch from the press box for the fifth consecutive game. The 21-year-old has 18 points in 66 games this season. He has a bright future ahead of him, but he still needs a little more seasoning before he reaches his potential. Matt Irwin, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby and Michal Kempny will also watch from the press box.