McMichael (illness) isn't expected to return Thursday, per Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael also missed Wednesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Islanders because of the illness. He has six goals and 13 points in 28 contests this season. Matthew Phillips is projected to remain in the lineup Thursday, but he could become a healthy scratch once McMichael is ready to play.

McMichael will miss Wednesday's game versus the Islanders due to an illness.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael's scoring pace has slowed with just three points over eight games in December. He should be considered questionable for Thursday's game in Columbus. McMichael will likely be replaced by Matthew Phillips for this contest.

McMichael tallied an assist and dished out two hits and two blocked shots during Thursday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael has worked his way up the lineup after posting three goals and eight points in his last 15 games. Evgeny Kuznetsov will continue to provide competition for playing time, but it's clear that the coaches trust the 22-year-old McMichael a great deal and will give him opportunities to grow his game. McMichael may not be a household name, but he should at least be on the radar of fantasy managers everywhere if he can solidify his hold on a top-six role.

McMichael scored a goal and added an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael's tally at 18:30 of the second period stood as the game winner. He and Anthony Mantha set up each other's goals in the contest. McMichael had picked up just one assist over his previous four outings. The 22-year-old is up to five goals, 10 points, 33 shots on net and a plus-1 rating through 19 appearances. He's primarily played in a third-line role at center since Nicklas Backstrom (hip) stepped away from the team.

McMichael scored a shorthanded goal on six shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael's shortie was the first of his career, and just his second shorthanded point, both of which have come this season. He also set up the second of Anthony Mantha's (upper body) two goals. McMichael has lined up as the third-line center since Nicklas Backstrom (hip) stepped away from the Capitals. McMichael has five points, 21 shots on net and an even plus-minus rating through 11 contests this season.

McMichael lined up as the third-line center during Wednesday's practice, Sammi Silber of The Hockey news reports.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael is poised to anchor the third line in the wake of Nicklas Backstrom (hip) announcing he is stepping away from the team to ponder his playing future. The 22-year-old McMichael had been a good fit as a top-six winger despite only having two goals and three points in eight games, but he'll now get an opportunity to return to his natural position following Backstrom's announcement. The 25th overall pick from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, McMichael is likely to get a regular role moving forward, but the lack of top-six ice time could make his offensive production less consistent, especially as he adapts to the rigors of playing center in the NHL.

McMichael supplied a shorthanded assist in Friday's 3-2 shootout win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael has reemerged for the Capitals after playing in only six games at the top level last season. The versatile forward actually appeared in 68 games during the 2021-22 campaign, adding nine goals and nine assists to put him on the map as a bottom-six skater. Currently, he's a sneaky option on the third line alongside venerable veteran Nicklas Backstrom and Anthony Mantha, who has been quite inconsistent.

McMichael scored a goal on two shots in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael's third-period tally put the Capitals ahead for good. The 22-year-old forward has occupied a middle-six role this season, racking up two goals and nine shots on net over six contests. It's encouraging that he's maintained his place in the lineup, but McMichael will need to produce more offense to be an option for most fantasy managers.

McMichael scored a goal in Monday's 3-2 shootout win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael tied the game at 2-2 just before the halfway mark of the second period. He's held down a middle-six role in both games this season, though he was limited to just one blocked shot in the season opener versus Pittsburgh. McMichael was selected in the first round in 2019, and he's looking to hold down an everyday job with the Capitals after appearing in just six contests a year ago.

McMichael was recalled from AHL Hershey on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

McMichael was technically sent down to the minors ahead of Monday's cap compliance deadline but with Joel Edmundson (hand) and Max Pacioretty (Achilles) now formally on the injured list, the Capitals have added McMichael back to their active roster. The 22-year-old winger was impressive during preseason action and skated frequently on a line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson. McMichael has some legitimate sleeper appeal if he can stick in Washington's top six.