Washington Capitals fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Washington Capitals. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

Alex Ovechkin, LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 15

Reason for optimism: The elite goal scorer has hit the 40-goal mark in the past five consecutive seasons in which he has played at least 50 games, and scored 50 goals in two of those seasons. He has the second-most goals in NHL history with 822 in 1,347 games, behind only Wayne Gretzky (894 goals in 1,487 games), and has maintained consistent scoring throughout his career. Ovechkin remains a top-15 overall player in fantasy and should be viewed as a fringe top-five left wing option.

NHL.com point projection: 88

John Carlson, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 78

Reason for optimism: Carlson had 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) last season but was limited to just 40 games because of injury. He has a high individual ceiling, hitting the 70-point mark in three of his past five seasons. Carlson benefits from having a spot on the Capitals' top power-play unit with Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Max Pacioretty and Tom Wilson. Carlson should be considered a fringe top-15 overall defenseman in fantasy.

NHL.com point projection: 69

Evgeny Kuznetsov, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 142

Reason for optimism: Kuznetsov led Washington in assists (43 in 81 games) last season and ranks second on the team in points the past three seasons combined (162 in 201 games), behind only Ovechkin. Kuznetsov was second on the Capitals in shots on goal (172) and has production potential playing on their top line alongside Ovechkin and Wilson.

NHL.com point projection: 59

Dylan Strome, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 152

Reason for optimism: Strome had 65 points (23 goals, 42 assists) in 81 games in his first season with Washington and ranked second on the Capitals in points behind only Ovechkin last season. He also was second on the team in power-play points (21) and has the potential to rotate into their top-six forward group this season.

NHL.com point projection: 64

Darcy Kuemper, G

NHL.com fantasy rank: 158

Reason for optimism: Kuemper has earned at least a .900 save percentage for five consecutive seasons and has upside playing behind a rejuvenated blue line with Carlson and Rasmus Sandin this season. Kuemper had 57 games played last season and was top 10 among NHL goalies in that category. He is a workhorse netminder in fantasy that should be viewed as a fringe top-20 goalie option.

NHL.com win projection: 26

Other WSH players to consider in fantasy: Tom Wilson, RW; Max Pacioretty, LW; Rasmus Sandin, D; T.J. Oshie, RW; Nicklas Backstrom, C