Connor McMichael was one of the driving forces behind the Washington Capitals’ surprising rise to the top of the Eastern Conference last season. The 2019 first-round pick had a breakout year, recording 57 points (26g, 31a) in 82 games.

The start to McMichael’s 2025-26 season hasn’t lived up to those lofty standards, though. Coming into Saturday night, he was without a goal for nine games and had just four points (1g, 3a) in his previous 17 outings. After being moved onto the wing of the Capitals’ top line, McMichael responded with his second goal and multi-point game of the year against the New Jersey Devils.

“Yeah, it felt great,” McMichael said postgame. “I mean, obviously, I haven’t been playing at the level I want to. Anytime you can help the team win and find the back of the net, it’s huge. And it felt like a lot of weight off my shoulders there.”

McMichael’s goal was the first in a two-goal spurt by the Capitals’ first-line trio, coming just one minute into the third period. Alex Ovechkin made a beautiful pass to a wide-open McMichael, leaving the 24-year-old forward with an empty net to aim at.

McMichael then chipped in with the primary assist on Ovechkin’s goal 7:29 later, which tied the game 2-2 and ultimately earned the Capitals a standings point. Overall, with McMichael, Ovechkin, and Dylan Strome on the ice five-on-five, the Capitals finished up 17-8 in shot attempts, 8-1 in scoring chances, and 2-0 in high-danger chances.

“I think we were just working,” McMichael said. “I think we were just hunting pucks. If you look at all the chances we created, they were mostly off forcing a turnover, working hard in the O-zone. I think that’s what we need to do as a team more. Last year, you look at our team, we were just winning puck battles and all that stuff. So, yeah, it was nice to compete there and push back in the third.”

McMichael had his tremendous season last year almost exclusively playing on the wing. His move back to the position this season comes after a slew of games at center with Pierre-Luc Dubois out injured long-term. Without him down the middle, head coach Spencer Carbery opted for Strome, Justin Sourdif, Hendrix Lapierre, and Nic Dowd as his four centers.

Carbery was impressed with McMichael’s overall effort, which suggests that his assignment on the wing will likely continue into upcoming games.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s a big part of our team,” Carbery said. “I moved him back to the wing tonight. I liked his game tonight, playing with Stromer. I thought he did some good things. You can see he had a little bit more jump in his step. Made a few more plays, so it’s a good step for him.”

The Capitals will be back on the ice Monday night when the Los Angeles Kings come to town. McMichael has been productive in past games against the Kings, recording four points (2g, 2a) in six career games against them.