Capitals 2025-26 Projections | Washington Capitals Big Questions & Breakout Players

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. Listener Survey We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.