ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are still exploring all of their options when it comes to filling vacancies up front, but when it comes to the center position, there are multiple options on the table.
Right now, it looks like that role is Connor McMichael's to lose.
"It depends on the hour. We've moved him all around in our heads, but ultimately, that goes to Spencer and his staff," general manager Chris Patrick said. "He's probably going to start him in the middle and see how it looks, but if he has to make an adjustment, he will."
McMichael played primarily on the second-line wing this past season, picking up a career-high 26 goals and 57 points in 82 games. The 24-year-old got to slot in at the third-line center role in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and said at season's end he envisions himself as a pivot going forward.
"I think I want to be a center for sure. I think that's where I'm most comfortable," McMichael said. "It's just wherever Carbs wants me to play, I'm fine with it.
“I thought I took a pretty big jump… really solidified myself as a good player in this league," he added of his game. "Just fine-tuning all the things I did work on to bring to my spot, but also looking to find areas to improve and always wanting to get better to elevate my game.”
Patrick also noted that he expects centers Hendrix Lapierre, who just re-signed a one-year "prove it" deal to remain in D.C., and Henrik Rybinski to compete for roster spots.
Another option for the Capitals is free agent Jack Roslovic, who the team has reportedly looked at this offseason, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The 28-year-old had 22 goals and 39 points this past season with the Carolina Hurricanes and is a veteran who can bring a new look and some offense to the bottom-6, though the team seems more focused on injecting its prospects into the lineup.
The Capitals have $4.125 million remaining in projected cap space and a couple of months to continue pondering the subject, but for now, it looks like McMichael will get his wish.