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When Connor McMichael conducted his exit interviews last season, his objective for the offseason was clear: get stronger.
So over the last few months, he focused on lower body strength and added about five or six pounds to his frame. Now, he weighs about 188-189 pounds, and he feels better than he did a year ago.
鈥淚 had a really good offseason, I feel like I worked on my lower body strength,鈥� McMichael said. 鈥淎ble to protect the puck a lot more, hopefully make the next jump. I think that鈥檚 one of the biggest things I need to work on, is protecting the puck against bigger and stronger guys. I think I took big strides there, and I鈥檓 looking to show it in camp.鈥�
McMichael tallied 27 points in 33 games last season for the Bears. He also made his NHL debut during the season as well, but played only聽one game for the Capitals.
Now聽he feels he鈥檚 gotten stronger without sacrificing his speed, the benefits of working out at Gary Roberts’ High Performance Training over the summer in Canada. There, he was on the ice with Steven Stamkos and Connor McDavid and picked up various tips on his game.
鈥淭hose guys are obviously great players, and they鈥檙e still great players,鈥� McMichael said. 鈥淏eing on the same ice as them, it鈥檚 pretty cool. Just watching those guys day in and day out, it鈥檚 cool to be around them and watch how they grow their game.鈥�
He added that it wasn鈥檛 so much specific instruction he got from them, but rather watching how they conducted themselves throughout training.
McMichael is the team鈥檚 highest-regarded prospect, but his role in Washington remains unclear. The Capitals, who are strapped for cap space, have four NHL-quality centers already on the roster.
It鈥檚 assumed that McMichael will begin the season in Hershey to build off what he did last season. But he鈥檚 drawing closer to the NHL, which is what fans have been waiting for since his selection in 2019.
The 20-year-old will take part in training camp starting on Thursday, which is where he鈥檒l get the chance to showcase how he鈥檚 evolved his game over the summer. Depending on how he performs could force the Capitals鈥� hands, one way or another.
鈥淚 keep getting stronger and stronger each year, that鈥檚 one thing that I鈥檝e got to keep getting better at,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 my main thing. My overall game is real good, it鈥檚 just overall winning puck battles here and there.鈥�
