Jets Reportedly Discuss Connor McMichael Trade With Capitals – Hockey Writers – Winnipeg Jets

The Washington Capitals have made waves this offseason with several moves to bolster their roster in hopes of continuing another deep run at the aging deadline. They brought in Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Darcy Kuemper, and also removed a draft pick in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane. While they added some depth to the forward position, it seems to have led them to consider dropping one for a fresh start.

According to a recent article from Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press, the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets have discussed a trade that would send Connor McMichael to the Jets. Nothing has happened yet, but it seems that that agreement will not be fulfilled.

There were discussions in the 2024 NHL Draft where the Jets and Capitals were considering a deal involving center Connor McMichael.

source – ‘Can Laine come back? What is McGroarty? Your Jets Questions Answered’ – Mike McIntyre & Ken Wiebe – Winnipeg Free Press – 7/28/24

What would McMichael bring to the Jets?

The Jets have been a force to be reckoned with in recent seasons, and you could make the argument that they are a sleeper team that will make a deep playoff run. With arguably the best goalie in the NHL between the pipes in Connor Hellebuyck, and a top defensive roster, they should be able to have another strong campaign this season. One of their biggest problems is their ability to play in the postseason, and another is their inability to change their lineup when needed due to their lack of forward depth. They have a strong group of strikers, but McMichael can make it even stronger.

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McMichael is coming off career highs as the Capitals scored 18 goals and added 15 assists for 33 points in 80 games last season. In his entire career thus far, he has scored 27 goals and added 24 assists for 51 points in 155 games for an average of 0.33 points per game. His two-way game is solid, and he seems ready to step into a bigger role and take a step forward offensively. While he may not move the needle enough to make the Jets Stanley Cup contenders, he can make it a long-term force.

McMichael could add much-needed scoring depth to the Jets’ roster, and his defensive play could lift his teammates. While he’s not a proven playoff player by any means, he appears to be the type of player who thrives as a two-way depth player when the postseason rolls around. He played well with the Caps when he played only eight games, where he scored one goal and added two assists.

Where would McMichael fit in the Jets’ Lineup?

McMichael can play both center and left tackle, making him a valuable asset to any team’s depth. With the Jets, it’s reasonable to assume he’ll be playing on the fourth line up the middle. The Jets’ wing players are stronger than they are at center, so McMichael’s stay on the wing seems to make sense. The acquisition of McMichael by the Jets could have been a very profitable move for them. While it doesn’t seem like a trade is out of the question, it seems unlikely that these two teams have a deal going on right now.

If the Jets were looking to add scoring depth to the bottom-six, this trade would be the way to do it. It’s unlikely that McMichael’s asking price would have been too high, but it’s something the Jets have moved away from as negotiations appear to be over. It’s fair to assume that McMichael’s deal would be worth at least a third-round pick and possibly a prospect, but right now it’s up in the air whether or not a trade will ever come together between the two teams. .