NHL EDGE stats 2026-27 season outlook for Washington Capitals

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, we will identify key NHL EDGE stats for each team to preview the 2026-27 season. Today, we look at three advanced metrics trends surrounding the Washington Capitals:

1. Alex Ovechkin’s continued shooting prowess

Ovechkin, the NHL all-time leading goal scorer (929) and Washington's longtime captain, signed a one-year contract July 2 to return for his 22nd NHL season. Last season, Ovechkin led the Capitals in goals (32), points (64), shots on goal (244) and shot attempts (542) while playing in all 82 games for the first time since 2017-18. Ovechkin, who turns 41 years old on Sept. 17, remains among the most robust offensive players in terms of advanced shot metrics (percentile rankings among forwards from last season listed below):

• Hardest shot: 97.30 mph (99th percentile; eighth among forwards)
• Average shot speed: 61.84 mph (94th percentile)
• High-danger shots on goal: 61 (86th percentile)
• High-danger goals: 14 (87th percentile)
• Mid-range shots on goal: 108 (99th percentile; tied for sixth at position)
• Mid-range goals: 9 (89th percentile)
• Long-range shots on goal: 42 (99th percentile; third at position)
• Long-range goals: 3 (97th percentile; tied for 10th at position)

Although the Capitals missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, Ovechkin has made the postseason in 16 of his 21 NHL seasons and has a revamped supporting cast led by forwards Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner. Tuch ranked in the 95th percentile among forwards in high-danger goals (18) last season after ranking in the 96th percentile in that category in 2024-25 (19) with the Buffalo Sabres. Kyrou ranked in the 95th percentile among forwards in mid-range shots on goal (82) last season with the St. Louis Blues while Jenner ranked among the leaders at the position in hardest shot (90.27 mph; 85th percentile) and long-range shots on goal (20; 91st percentile) with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2. Elite advanced metrics of Jakob Chychrun, Logan Thompson

Chychrun led NHL defensemen with 26 goals last season, the most for a Capitals player at the position since Mike Green scored 31 in 2008-09. During the past two regular seasons combined, Chychrun leads NHL defensemen in mid-range goals (26) and game-winning goals (14). During that same span (since joining Capitals in 2024-25), Chychrun also ranks second at his position in both goals (46) and power-play goals (13), and fifth in shots on goal (400).

Last season, Chychrun was a shots by location juggernaut; he was one of two defensemen to rank in the top 10 of his position in high-danger shots on goal (26; first), mid-range shots on goal (63; seventh) and long-range shots on goal (99; tied for eighth), joining Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders. Chychrun, who was tied with Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski for the most mid-range goals (13) among defensemen, also ranked among the leaders at the position in high-danger goals (four; tied for sixth) and long-range goals (six; tied for fourth).

Chychrun, who also set NHL career highs in assists (34), points (60), power-play goals (eight) and power-play points (18) last season, could further emerge into a No. 1 defenseman given John Carlson's departure from the Capitals in March. In addition to his shooting excellence, Chychrun ranked in the 94th percentile among defensemen in hardest shot (99.06 mph), max skating speed (23.06 mph), 20-plus mph speed bursts (91) and even-strength skating distance (225.82 miles).

The Capitals also have one of the League's elite goalies in Logan Thompson, who ranks fifth in the NHL in wins (62) since joining Washington in 2024-25. He led the NHL in 5-on-5 close save percentage (.938; when the game is tied in first or second period or within one goal in third period) last season and was tied for second in quality starts (35; starts with greater than .900 save percentage). Thompson also ranked highly last season in midrange save percentage (.919; fourth) and 5-on-5 save percentage (.923; seventh).

3. Skating speed

For a second straight season, Washington ranked in the top 10 of the NHL in 22-plus mph speed bursts (119; sixth) and 20-plus mph bursts (1,992; seventh). Their impressive team speed is an identity that should match their wave of young talent.

Washington's top prospect, defenseman Cole Hutson, had 10 points (three goals seven assists) and six power-play points in 14 games with the Capitals last season. Hutson ranked in the 91st percentile among defensemen in max skating speed (22.94 mph), had 13 speed bursts of 20-plus mph and two bursts of 22-plus mph. Forward Ilya Protas, who had four points (one goal, three assists) in four NHL games last season, is a highly skilled prospect capable of bringing the puck to the front of the net; four of Protas' seven shots on goal came from mid-range zones, and his one goal was a high-danger goal.

Another young standout in Washington's top-nine forward group is Ryan Leonard, who had 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games as a rookie last season. Leonard ranked sixth in the NHL in max skating speed (24.26 mph) last season and was a standout among forwards in hardest shot (93.94 mph; 95th percentile), average shot speed (62.86 mph; 95th percentile), long-range shots on goal (26; 95th percentile), mid-range shots on goal (68; 90th percentile), mid-range goals (nine; 89th percentile) and 22-plus mph speed bursts (11; 91st percentile).

Washington's improved forward depth and strong defensive play, combined with the emergence of their young core, could give Ovechkin a chance to finish his career with another Stanley Cup championship.