St. Louis Blues Sign Forward Connor McMichael to Six-Year, $40.5 Million Extension
The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Connor McMichael to a six-year contract extension worth $40.5 million, the team announced Thursday. The deal carries an annual average value (AAV) of $6.75 million and secures the 25-year-old through the 2031-32 season, effectively resolving a salary arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for July 25.
The contract represents a significant raise for the Ajax, Ontario native, who recently completed a two-year, $4.2 million bridge contract. According to reports, the agreement includes a salary of $7.5 million in the first year, $6.75 million in years two through five, and $6 million in the final year. Additionally, the contract includes a three-team no-trade clause beginning in the third year.
Acquisition and Career Context
The Blues acquired McMichael in a major trade with the Washington Capitals on June 23. In exchange for McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and a 2026 first-round pick—which the Blues subsequently used to select Maddox Dagenais at No. 16 overall—the Capitals received high-scoring winger Jordan Kyrou.
McMichael, a former first-round pick (25th overall) by Washington in the 2019 NHL Draft, spent six seasons with the Capitals organization. Over 315 career games with Washington, he played both center and wing, tallying 154 points on 67 goals and 87 assists, along with 130 penalty minutes. He has also contributed five goals and three assists in 18 career playoff appearances.
During his most recent season, McMichael appeared in 78 games for Washington, recording 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists). This followed a career-best 2024-25 campaign in which he played all 82 regular-season games and set personal highs with 26 goals and 57 points.
Strategic Value for the Blues
By finalizing this contract before the arbitration hearing, the Blues avoided a process that would have forced the team to build a formal legal case against their own player. “The Blues weren’t going to sell low when they traded Kyrou earlier this summer, and the fact that they got McMichael back in the deal with the Capitals shows how highly they thought of him,” according to team analysis. The deal is structured to buy out four years of unrestricted free agency. While the $6.75 million AAV is a substantial increase from his previous $2.1 million cap hit, the team views it as a valuable investment if McMichael can solidify a role as a top-six forward capable of playing both center and wing.
Financial Standing Within the Roster
Following this extension, McMichael enters the 2026-27 season as one of the highest-paid forwards on the Blues roster. His $6.75 million AAV ranks fifth among team forwards, trailing only Robert Thomas ($8.125 million), Pavel Buchnevich ($8 million), Dylan Holloway ($7.75 million), and Mason McTavish ($7 million).
Comparison of Top Blues Forwards (AAV)
| Player | Annual Average Value |
| :— | :— |
| Robert Thomas | $8.125 million |
| Pavel Buchnevich | $8.00 million |
| Dylan Holloway | $7.75 million |
| Mason McTavish | $7.00 million |
| Connor McMichael | $6.75 million |
Looking Ahead
McMichael expressed positive sentiments regarding his transition to St. Louis following the June trade. In an interview with team reporter Andy Strickland, he noted that while the initial trade was a shock, the presence of familiar teammates has made the adjustment easier.
“I’m feeling great,” McMichael stated last month. “I would say the first hour there was kind of a little bit of a shock. Obviously, processing everything, but the fact that it was the Blues and just knowing some guys on the team already, it’s already feeling easier.”
As McMichael prepares for the upcoming season, the Blues are banking on his age—25—aligning with their preferred window for their young core. The team’s front office maintains that the contract is a sound move, provided the forward can return to the statistical production levels he demonstrated two seasons ago.
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