Washington Capitals fantasy projections for 2026-27

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff ranks the top five Washington Capitals players for standard leagues and provides skater points and goalie wins projections for the 2026-27 season.

1. Logan Thompson, G

NHL.com fantasy rank: 26

The Capitals have one of the elite goalies in the NHL in Thompson, who ranks fifth in the League in wins (62) since joining Washington in 2024-25. He was tied for fourth in wins (31-21-6 record) last season, tied for third in save percentage (.912; minimum 30 games) and ranked fifth in goals-against average (2.44). Thompson, who also finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting for the second straight season, set NHL career highs in starts (58; tied for third in League), shutouts (four) and saves (1,447; third in League). The 29-year-old is one of the top goalies in NHL.com's fantasy rankings and should be considered in the first few rounds of drafts given his upside and workload.

NHL.com wins projection: 35

2. Jakob Chychrun, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 64

Chychrun, who led NHL defensemen and set career highs in goals (26 in 80 games) and game-winning goals (eight) last season, also ranked among the leaders at the position in power-play goals (eight; tied for second), shots on goal (221; tied for third) and overtime goals (two; tied for third). It was the third straight season he played in at least 70 games (74 games in 2024-25, 82 in 2023-24 with Ottawa Senators) after not reaching that mark in any of his first seven NHL seasons. When healthy, Chychrun is a top 10 fantasy defensemen in NHL.com's rankings and a fringe top 60 overall option.

NHL.com point projection: 63

3. Tom Wilson, F

NHL.com fantasy rank: 85

Wilson, who had his second straight 30-goal, 60-point season in 2025-26, has one of the highest fantasy floors in the NHL given his elite category coverage; he is the only player in the League to have 30 goals, 100 hits and 50 blocks in each of the past two seasons. Despite playing in only 72 games last season, Wilson set NHL career highs in average ice time (19:28) and even-strength goals (22) and could continue to benefit from a solid lineup placement in Washington's top-six forward group and top power play. Wilson is a potential fantasy draft bargain attainable around the top 75 overall.

NHL.com point projection: 66

4. Alex Ovechkin, F

NHL.com fantasy rank: 102

Ovechkin demonstrated he still could produce at a high level last season, leading the Capitals with 32 goals to increase his NHL-record career total to 929; he also led Washington with 64 points while not missing a regular-season game for the sixth time in his 21 NHL seasons. Ovechkin, who will turn 41 years old Sept. 17, became the fourth player in NHL history with a 30-goal season after turning 40 (others: Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, Teemu Selanne). Despite scoring a career-low five power-play goals last season, Ovechkin could benefit most from Washington's addition of three-time 30-goal-scorers Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch in separate trades this offseason. He remains a fringe top 100 overall player in NHL.com's fantasy rankings given his consistently high shot volume.

NHL.com point projection: 63

5. Cole Hutson, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 114

Hutson had 10 points (three goals, seven assists), six power-play points, 22 shots on goal, 16 hits and averaged 17:27 of ice time in 14 games last season. The 20-year-old was selected in the second round (No. 43) of the 2024 NHL Draft and is a top contender for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year this season. Last season, Hutson had a game with seven shots on goal, three games with at least three hits, and one game with two power-play points, showing his category coverage. Hutson, who has an offensive ceiling similar to his brother Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, is in the top five at his position of NHL.com's fantasy keeper and dynasty rankings, which are the top 25-and-younger players for long-term formats.

NHL.com point projection: 51

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Other WSH players on preseason draft lists:

Category coverage specialists: Alex Tuch, F (point projection: 70); Boone Jenner, F (point projection: 45)

Breakout candidate: Ryan Leonard, F (point projection: 55)

Bounce-back candidates: Dylan Strome, F (point projection: 68); Jordan Kyrou, F (point projection: 67); Pierre Luc-Dubois, F (point projection: 54)

Deep sleeper: Aliaksei Protas, F (point projection: 59)

Rookie to watch: Ilya Protas, F (point projection: 44)

Hits and blocks specialist: Martin Fehervary, D (point projection: 30)