The Washington Capitals are trying to make the playoffs this season after they failed to make it last season for the first time in five years. Though we aren't previewing this coming season for them (yet), we can still take a look at the top five Capitals players to watch in your fantasy league. Without further adue, let's take a look.
Matt Niskanen, Defense
Matt Niskanen is one of the new players that the Capitals signed this offseason to bolster their defense. He's coming of a career year in Pittsburgh where he actually was one of the leaders in plus/minus. He also was one of the defensive points leaders on the Penguins last year as well. This year should be a good year for Niskanen too as he has Ovechkin to pass to on the powerpoint and in full strength. He should give you a lot of points this year but not as much as last year.
Mike Green, Defense
Mike Green did not have the best season last year because he was injured so much. He also did not make enough good plays when he was healthy either. I do think though he has a bounce back year this year which is good for fantasy owners. A fully healthy season could go a long way for Mike Green. I'd take him in the middle round or maybe the 2nd round.
Brooks Laich, Center
Laich has been a very good Capitals player over the years and he was also injured quite a bit last season which is why he most likely made fantasy owners very mad since he only had eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. This season should also be a bounce back season for him as he looks to regain his top form he had a couple years back. He will be healthy going into this season and could be a sleeper in fantasy drafts.
Nicklas Backstrom, Center
Backstrom is coming off an outstanding year. He had 79 points last year but 61 of those were assists. Still, he racked up points and did a very nice job for the Capitals last year as the first line center. He should equal that point total this coming season or exceed it if he stays healthy. I know fantasy owners including me would like to see Backstrom have more than 20 goals this year so he can rack up more points since he only scored 18 last year. Be sure to take him in the early rounds.
Alex Ovechkin, Right Wing
You can't forget Ovi right? Ovechkin is the defending Rocket Richard trophy winner which goes to the player who scores the most goals. He had over 50 goals this year which I'm sure made fantasy owners very happy. He could try to get more assists this year so that he can rack up more points this year for owners. Ovechkin should be a pick in at least the top seven if not top five. If guys like Malkin, Crosby, Stamkos, or Toews are gone, be sure to take Ovechkin. He'll really help your team out.