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The 10 best players from each NHL team: The Washington Capitals

Marc-Olivier Cook

2025-10-12 22:20:27

Credit: Getty Images

We’re in the NHL offseason — and to help you get ready for the upcoming campaign, we’ll be highlighting the top 10 players on each team over the next month. This is the Washington Capitals!

Logan Thompson

Jakob Chychrun

Upon his arrival in Washington, Jakob Chychrun immediately improved the Capitals’ team. His offensive talent is undeniable, and he’s starting to take more responsibility in his own zone with the maturity he’s gaining year after year.

Without him, the Capitals wouldn’t have such a strong defense. Chychrun brings stability; he scored 20 goals (!) in his first season in Washington, and he perfectly complements his club’s first wave of power play.

He has the talent to be one of the NHL’s top defensemen, and at 27, he still has several quality years ahead of him. The Capitals made a great acquisition by bringing him to Ottawa.

John Carlson

Even as he advances in age, Carlson continues to log heavy minutes in all situations, trusted to quarterback the power play while also anchoring the defense at even strength. His vision and passing ability make him a constant threat to generate scoring chances, and his calm demeanor under pressure brings stability to the group.

Having a defenseman of Carlson’s caliber means more than just numbers on the scoresheet—it’s about reliability, leadership, and the ability to tilt the ice when he’s on it. As long as he’s healthy, Carlson remains one of the Capitals’ most indispensable players.

Anthony Beauvillier

His versatility allows him to contribute in different situations, whether it’s on the penalty kill, driving play in the offensive zone, or providing energy and grit on the third line.

While he may not dominate the game offensively, his hockey sense and ability to execute specific assignments make him an important piece of Washington’s lineup. Coaches trust him to fill precise roles, and his consistency and work ethic ensure that he remains a dependable contributor every time he steps on the ice.

Connor McMichael

Dylan Strome

When he was drafted third overall in 2015 by the Arizona Coyotes, Dylan Strome was considered an extremely talented player. He was widely touted as a guy with the potential to become one of the best in the National League… but it took time for him to become the player he is today.

However, there’s practically nothing he can fault since his arrival in Washington. Three seasons of 65, 67, and 82 points have allowed him to become an extremely reliable offensive player, and he’s become Alex Ovechkin’s new assist man since Nick Backstrom retired.

Like Chychrun, he’s been considered a major acquisition by the Capitals, who signed him as a free agent in the summer of 2022.

Aliaksei Protas

Aliaksei Protas is an… intriguing player. At 6’6″ and 247 pounds, he’s pretty much capable of doing whatever he wants on the ice because he has incredible reach with his stick and because he can pack down pretty much anyone with his shape. But above all, we’re talking about a player who’s so versatile in all three zones of the ice. Protas is coming off the best season of his career (66 points, including 30 goals, in 76 games) and is really establishing himself as a key player in Washington’s lineup. Oh, and he’s only 24. If he continues to improve, which could happen given his age… we’ll start talking about him as an elite two-way center in the National Hockey League.

Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson has evolved into much more than just an enforcer for the Capitals. Over the past seasons, he’s developed a sharper offensive touch, adding goals and playmaking to his game while still maintaining the physical dominance that defines him.

Night after night, Wilson’s intensity and competitiveness set the tone for Washington, making him a constant threat both on the scoreboard and along the boards.

His ability to combine skill with relentless energy allows him to impact every shift, creating momentum for his team and wearing down opponents. Wilson remains one of the Capitals’ most dynamic and feared players.

Pierre-Luc Dubois

Some may not have expected Pierre-Luc Dubois to explode like this in his first season with the Washington Capitals. He was coming off a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Kings… but with the Caps, he was able to rediscover his game.

66 points (20 goals) in 82 games… it turned out to be his best season since joining the National League. The trade that brought him from the Kings to the Capitals may have saved his career (no less), and the Caps hope he can become the team’s No. 1 center in the long term because he’s still young at 27.

That’s good, because when Dubois is healthy… he has all the qualities to be one of the NHL’s top players.

Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin continued to make NHL history during the 2024-25 season with the Washington Capitals. Despite his age, he remained a force to be reckoned with, scoring 44 goals, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s ultimate record, and adding 29 assists for 73 points in just 65 games.

His signature one-timer from the left circle remains lethal on the power play, and his physical presence still intimidates opponents.

Ovechkin’s ability to adapt his game by focusing more on positioning, anticipation, and shot selection has allowed him to remain productive. His leadership, experience, and unparalleled scoring instincts keep him relevant, and he continues to inspire his teammates and fans.