No. 77, yo-yos and life with two kids: Get to know McMichael

Connor McMichael will be playing for the St. Louis Blues this season after being acquired by the team in late June. The 6-foot, 180-pound winger and native of Ajax, Ontario, was selected in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals.

Throughout his young hockey career, McMichael has received honors at both the Ontario and American Hockey League levels. The 25-year-old enters the 2026-27 season with 67 career goals and 154 career points in 315 games. 

McMichael sat down with stlouisblues.com to talk about his playing style, career, family and first impressions of St. Louis.

Q&A

What do you think St. Louis Blues fans should know about you and your playing style? 

“I think I’m a smart player. I think my best attribute is my hockey sense and my speed. I’m just a hard-working guy that really just wants to do anything to win.”

Is there any particular reason behind your jersey No. 77? 

“I was just younger and I think I thought the double numbers were kind of cool. And it was just the first number I ever chose when I made the team back in Toronto.”

How did you get into playing hockey? Did any family members play or did you just happen to fall into it?

“I think growing up in Canada, everyone plays hockey and my older brother and my dad were big influences on me. I saw my older brother playing hockey with my dad and I think I just fell in love with it. I wanted to do the exact same thing as my brother and I just took off from there.” 

Is there anything you think people would be surprised to learn about you? Any hidden talents, fun facts?

“I’d say a hidden talent is I can yo-yo. When we were younger we just had yo-yos and I just picked up on it.”

In some of your previous interviews, you said that you pride yourself on your goal scoring. Do you have a favorite goal that you’ve scored so far in your career?

“One that comes to mind every time would just be my first NHL goal. I just remember the feeling of seeing that puck going in the net in Florida. It was pretty cool.”

We saw that you got married last month, congratulations! What’s it like being a married man? 

“It’s been awesome. We had a busy summer. Obviously got married, got traded and the last month after the wedding was just kind of not the ‘typical’ honeymoon stuff. It was more of coming to St. Louis and sorting out our life. It was a lot of fun, a busy month and being married is awesome.”

Do you have a honeymoon destination in mind once everything’s settled? 

“Next summer, we want to go to Italy and Greece.” 

How are you liking St. Louis so far? How are you adjusting? Have you discovered any favorite spots in the city yet?

“It’s been awesome so far. I got two little boys as well, so it’s been awesome. We went to the aquarium the other day down at Union Station and they enjoyed it a lot. Me and my wife have really enjoyed it. It’s a really nice city and great for families.” 

How old are your boys? 

“Two years old and eight months. Young kids.” 

If you didn’t play hockey, what do you think your day job would be? 

“I think I’d be a police officer just because my older brother is one right now.” 

Do you have a favorite city in the league to travel to throughout the season?

“I like going to Toronto because I’m from there. But other than that, I’d probably say Montreal. It’s just a really cool atmosphere and they call it the ‘Mecca of hockey.’ So it’s a lot of fun to go there.” 

Do you have any hobbies that you think fans would be interested to know? 

“Not really. I mean I like to golf but that’s pretty basic with everyone. Nowadays, I’m just hands full with the kids and that’s my new hobby.” 

Are you a fantasy football guy at all? If so, who was your first pick of the draft?

“Oh yeah, big fantasy guy. This year I got De’Von Achane. I had a late first-round pick.” 

What would be your one piece of advice for younger fans who are playing hockey now or are wanting to play hockey in the future? 

“My one piece of advice would just be to always have fun. I think whenever you’re having fun, that’s when you learn the most. That’s when you grow as a player and as a person and just soak it all in.”