The Washington Capitals enter the 2025-26 NHL season with momentum, depth, and plenty of intrigue. After last year’s playoff breakthrough and Alex Ovechkin’s historic goal-scoring milestone, Washington looks to push further in the Metro Division race. Key veterans like Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and John Carlson will be tasked with leading the charge, while Martin Fehérváry, Rasmus Sandin, and Jakob Chychrun solidify one of the league’s most balanced blue lines. Goaltending stability with Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren provides the backbone, as Spencer Carbery looks to build on his Jack Adams-winning system.

But the biggest questions loom: how will Ovechkin’s usage evolve, can Dubois find another gear in Washington, and will the Caps’ middle-six deliver the secondary scoring they need? Emerging talents like Connor McMichael, Ryan Leonard, Ivan Miroshnichenko, and Justin Sourdif could make the difference between a strong playoff berth and a true Cup run. With a projected 100–110 points, the Capitals’ mix of experience and youth makes them one of the NHL’s most intriguing teams heading into 2025-26.

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Capitals gear up for crucial camps as Ovechkin's return looms. Will the Great 8 unleash his beast mode in his 21st NHL season?

Dan HolmI breaks down the Washington Capitals' upcoming rookie and training camps, highlighting key dates and locations. The spotlight shines on top prospects Ryan Leonard, Andrew Crystal, and Lyndon Lakovic as they vie for roster spots. Holmey analyzes the team's impressive stats from last season, including seven 20-goal scorers, and explores how newcomers like Pierre-Luc Dubois might impact the lineup.

Tune in for insider insights on Ovechkin's off-season training and the Capitals' strategy to build on their Eastern Conference-leading performance.

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The Washington Capitals enter the 2025-26 season facing key lineup questions at wing and center depth. With Connor McMichael moving to the third-line center role, Washington must fill top-six wing spots and replace depth lost after Andrew Mangiapane and Taylor Raddysh departed in free agency. Veterans like Anthony Beauvillier and Sonny Milano will compete with promising prospects Ivan Miroshnichenko, Ryan Leonard, Hendrix Lapierre, and Andrew Cristall to round out the lineup. The Capitals are banking on balance across three scoring lines to complement Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and captain Alex Ovechkin.

Ovechkin’s future looms over the season as the 40-year-old enters the final year of his contract after surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record last spring. With 897 career goals, 1,623 points, and just nine games away from 1,500, his milestones continue to shape hockey history. Whether this is his last season or not, Washington’s offense, depth development, and ability to spread production across three lines will determine if the Capitals can repeat as Eastern Conference leaders.

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