Washington Capitals fantasy preview for 2020-21

As part of NHL.com's 31 in 31 series, the fantasy hockey staff identifies relevant players from the Washington Capitals. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast.

Alex Ovechkin, LW(NHL.com rank: 7) -- Ovechkin was tied for the NHL lead in goals (48) with David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins last season. His 35 even-strength goals were tied for the lead with Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ovechkin, who's entering a contract year (potential 2021 unrestricted free agent), remains one of the best fantasy assets with his coverage of goals, hits (184 last season; tied for 18th in NHL) and shots on goal (311, second; Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche, 318), making him a consensus selection among the top 5-10 in standard 12-team drafts.
John Carlson, D (21) -- Carlson led NHL defensemen with 75 points (15 goals, 60 assists) in 69 games last season. His 26 power-play points were second at the position behind Torey Krug, who scored 28 for the Bruins, and his 189 shots on goal were fifth. Carlson should maintain his scoring pace this season with Washington's top skaters returning and could benefit from the hiring of coach Peter Laviolette, who could encourage an up-tempo style of play.
Capitals 31 IN 31: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects | Behind the Numbers]
Ilya Samsonov, G (51) -- He was 16-6-2 with a 2.55 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in 26 games (22 starts) during his rookie season and will be the Capitals No. 1 goalie after Braden Holtby signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 9. Samsonov's .923 even-strength save percentage was 15th among goalies to play at least 25 games and he should have plenty of goal support from Washington's elite forward group. Samsonov should be targeted around the top 10 goalies and 50 best overall players in standard 12-team drafts. It's worth noting veteran goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who signed a one-year contract with the Capitals on Oct. 9, won't play this season because of a heart condition.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, C (60) -- The center scored 52 points (19 goals, 33 assists) in 63 games and had five points (three goals, two assists) in eight postseason games last season. Kuznetsov's production declined after scoring at least 72 points in three of four seasons prior to 2019-20, indicating he could bounce back. With exposure to Ovechkin on the top line, Kuznetsov is worth selecting around the top 60 in standard leagues.

Nicklas Backstrom, C (61) -- It was a down year for Backstrom, who scored 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists) in 61 games and had one assist in five postseason games last season; he scored at least 70 points in six consecutive seasons prior. With a spot in the top six and on the first power-play unit guaranteed, Backstrom should be in line for a bounce back season and could be the most productive center for the Capitals.
Tom Wilson, RW (78) -- Wilson scored an NHL career-high 44 points (21 goals, 23 assists) in 68 games last season. His 253 hits were third in the NHL behind Ryan Reaves of the Vegas Golden Knights (316) and Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators (303). With hits a standard category in fantasy, Wilson has the potential to finish among the top 50 skaters overall.
T.J. Oshie, RW (89) -- Oshie scored 49 points (26 goals, 23 assists) in 69 games and three goals in eight postseason games last season. His 26 goals were tied for the second-highest in his NHL career and he's remained consistent on the power play, where he has at least 12 power-play points in seven consecutive seasons.
Other players to consider in late rounds or off waiver wire: Jakub Vrana, LW (112); Justin Schultz, D (219); Dmitry Orlov, D
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