3 questions facing Washington Capitals

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, three important questions facing the Washington Capitals.

1. How will the defense hold up until Rasmus Sandin returns?

Sandin, who was one of the Capitals' best defensemen last season, is recovering from April 22 surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee sustained, with an estimated recovery time of 6-9 months. General manager Chris Patrick said Sandin has been "doing pretty well, so hopefully he'll be on the shorter side of that recovery window, but when we see him when he gets into (training) camp, we'll have a lot better feel for that." Sandin potentially could miss the first three months-plus of the season, though, which means others will have to step up. The addition of Vincent Desharnais (four-year, $16.8 million contract) and re-signing of Timothy Liljegren (two-year, $6.5 million contract), who played in four games after being acquired in a trade with the San Jose Sharks on March 6, will help. Cole Hutson, a 20-year-old rookie who impressed in 14 games at the end of last season, also could play a significant role.

2. Where will Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou play?

The additions of Tuch (sign and trade, Buffalo Sabres) and Kyrou (trade, St. Louis Blues) strengthened the Capitals' scoring depth on the wing. Each is a three-time 30-goal scorer capable of playing on the top line and each has spent more time at right wing. But with Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin also right-wing options, coach Spencer Carbery said Tuch, Kyrou or Ryan Leonard probably will shift to the left side. Carbery believes it's helpful for incoming players to play with returnees already familiar with the system, so Tuch, Kyrou and fellow newcomer Boone Jenner likely will begin training camp on different lines.

Carbery said he has talked with each player about what's worked well for them in the past as far as, "What wing do they like playing? What type of centerman? What shot? Just from being able to talk to guys about that and discuss some of those options that we have, just helps you make better decisions with line combinations."

3. What will Alex Ovechkin's role be?

Ovechkin, the NHL record-holder with 929 career goals, decided to return for his 22nd NHL season, signing a one-year contract July 2, knowing he'll turn 41 on Sept. 17 and that he'll be coming back to a team with much improved forward depth. Ovechkin has led the Capitals in goals each of his first 21 seasons (tying with T.J. Oshie in 2016-17), including 32 last season, and usually is the first option in offensive situations. His ice time gradually has decreased each of the past four seasons to an NHL career-low 17:27 per game last season, though, and likely will drop again this season as the Capitals try to best utilize their depth. Could his days of playing all two minutes on each power play be over?

"Where he plays, what he does, I'm not going to get into specifics of minutes and this and that," Carbery said. "But 'O' understands where he's at in his career and his age, and it's my job as the head coach to do the best job possible to deploy him in the most opportune situations for him. And him and I will continue to work to do that effectively."