McMichael was a first-round pick (No. 25) of Washington in 2019. David Gonzales / Imagn ImagesJuly 16, 2026 4:57 pm EDT Updated St. Louis Blues forward Connor McMichael has signed a six-year contract worth $6.75 million in average annual value, avoiding an arbitration hearing that was scheduled for July 25, the team announced Thursday.The Blues acquired McMichael, 25, in a trade from the Washington Capitals in June, along with a first-round pick and prospect Milton Gastrin, for Jordan Kyrou. The club used the first-round pick to select center Maddox Dagenais at No. 16 at the 2026 NHL Draft.McMichael was a first-round pick (No. 25) of Washington in 2019. In 315 games with the Capitals, playing both center and wing, he had 67 goals and 154 points.He recently wrapped up a two-year, $4.2 million ($2.1 million AAV) contract and became a restricted free agent this summer. He was one of 15 NHL players who elected for salary arbitration, but that case won’t be heard following the contract resolution.This story will be updated.

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