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Fantasy Outlook - Washington Capitals |
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Yes, I know I wrote a lot more interesting things last year. Frankly, I just don't have time this year. I'm going to do my best to get through all the teams in the next few days, but make no promises. On with the show!
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The Capitals will once again be one of the weaker sisters in the Eastern Conference, particularly on the fantasy side of the equation (which, really, is all that matters).
Potential Breakouts
Brian Pothier - After toiling as the number 4/5/6 guy in Ottawa, Pothier could flourish in Washington. He will be asked to quarterback the power-play, and in the "new" NHL that automatically increases his fantasy value. Pothier will provide good return on a mid-to-late-draft selection.
Alexander Semin - Semin, fresh off all kinds of legal shenanigans, is a very attractive late round pick. He has the potential to be an explosive offensive force, and could team with Mr. Ovechin on the top line. Definitely a good gamble.
Probable Duds
Olaf Kolzig - Kolzig, once a valued fantasy commododity, should be avoided if at all possible. The Capitals are slated to be one of the NHL's worst teams (but hey, who really knows?) and that bodes not well for their goaltender. They've also added Brent Johnson, and I expect the two will split the workload. It's also not outside the realm of possibility that a prospect emerges to take some playing time away.
Dainius Zubrus - Zubrus' stock has been rising on account of his potential linemate (we'll get to him shortly), but I'm not fooled. Zubrus is a consistently inconsistent underachiever. I wouldn't draft him if he were lining up with the late 80's incarnations of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
Surefire Stars
Alexander Ovechkin - Ovechkin exceeded all expectations last year (even though I had him pegged to go above 100 points (brag, brag)), and there's no indication he's ready to stop. Consider yourself lucky if Ovechkin's available when you're on the clock, he's been going in the top 3 in most leagues and #1 more often than not.
Interesting Tidbit
A lot of eyebrows were raised when the Capitals signed Kolzig to a 2-year contract extension last year. Not mine. His rather large contract is now set to expire after next season. Not so coincidentally, so is Mr. Ovechkin's rookie contract. They'll be able to let Kolzig sail happily into the sunset, while signing Ovechkin long-term...all without a significant hike in their payroll situation. I call it smart business.
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