The start of the NHL season cannot come quickly enough.

With 40-something days until puck-drop, teams are gearing up for the start of training camp in about a weeks time. Fantasy GM's are already getting their teams primed and here are a few Capitals to look out for this season.

The obvious picks are no-brainers, but who could fly under the radar this season? Who could be a bust?

Centers:
Marcus Johansson: MoJo has the opportunity to have a breakout season. He's been the victim of too many coaches and too many systems in his young career, but with Trotz on board, it seems like there is finally some stability in DC. Johansson will probably be the second line center, and will see power play time again this year. His contract is up at the end of the year as well, and he has to prove to Washington that he's worth keeping around. Projected stats: 15g-45a

Evgeny Kuznetsov: The rookie made his quick debut last season, showing fans what he could be capable of with a full summer to train for a full NHL season. Not sure where Kuzya could end up, either center or wing, but he could get some playing time with Ovechkin and Backstrom, and will get some power play time. He probably won't score 50 goals or get 100 points, but he'll definitely get on the scoresheet. He's listed as a center, and could play second line center minutes - it has yet to be decided, but he could sit on left wing on the first line. Projected stats: 24g - 35a

Wingers:
Brooks Laich: Laich has had a very rough couple of seasons battling injury and multiple surgeries, but he's back now and he says he's 100%. That's good news for the Caps as he is the heart and soul they've been missing. Laich has the opportunity to score 20-30 goals and find the 60 point mark for the first time in his career if he can find his game. He's the kind of player that Trotz will love to coach. Projected stats: 26g-35a

Tom Wilson: Now I'm not saying Wilson is going to score a ton of goals and rack up a ton of points, but this season he could have a mini-breakout year as he gets more comfortable. If the Caps are indeed still trying to sign Paul Bissonnette, it would mean Wilson would be moved up to play along side someone like Johansson or Brooks Laich (if they move Laich to center the third line). Wilson is also going to shed some of his 151 PIM's from last season, but he'll definitely hit the 100 mark again this year. Projected stats: 12g-15a

Defensemen:

Mike Green: Some say he's washed up, but I think Mike Green still has the potential for 20+ goals. He needs to get comfortable again in the backend, and the additions of Orpik and Niskanen will help that. Green should shine under Trotz's direction. The Predators were first in the NHL last year in goals by defensemen, and Green should be salivating at that type of system. He'll quarterback the power play as well. Barring injury, this could be a comeback year. Projected stats: 24g-48a

Goaltenders:

Braden Holtby: Holtby is primed to have a breakout year. He's not going to win a Vezina, but he should provide the Caps must needed stability in net this season. Last year was a bust, but he was also a victim of poor coaching and a confusing system. Holtby is under the tutelage of former Predators Goalie Coach, Mitch Korn, and that is very exciting. He will also get some relief from Justin Peters, who should provide a better back-up solution this year.
Projected stats: 35W - 2.25 GAA - .935SP

Potential Busts:
Matt Niskanen: He was a receiver of great fortune last season when Kris Letang was out, and Niskanen made sure he made great use of his time. He signed a big contract this summer with the Caps and he has a lot to live up to this season. He's a great puck mover, can score and help the power play, but he won't be the go-to guy as much as he was last year. Fans are iffy about Niskanen here in DC and he'll have to prove himself early on.

Joel Ward: Ward was a bull last season and was the Caps best player for a good stretch of the season. He set career highs last year with 24g and 49pts, and will have every opportunity to match that this season - but will he? He's a huge fan favorite here in Washington and loves playing for the Caps. He's also a UFA after this season, so here's hoping he doesn't get cold feet.

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