Ovechkin accelerates toward 900 goals, with last season's total at 897. The chase fuels a high-profile narrative and keeps the Capitals relevant for fantasy, given his scoring rhythm and longevity.

Ovechkin returned to preseason action after a lower-body issue, re-entering the Capitals’ lineup and continuing to carry notable fantasy upside given his scoring prowess and power-play role.

<p>Ovechkin, 40, remains a monumental scoring force with a potential last hurrah ahead of a looming cap- and legacy-driven decision. His fate will shape Washington’s continuity plans and the broader market for aging stars, providing a dramatic fulcrum as teams balance contending windows with payroll realities.</p><p>The pursuit of 900 goals adds urgency to every shift, influencing risk-taking by Capitals’ management and the expectations placed on younger players stepping into prominent roles.</p>

Ovechkin is referenced as an example of a right-shot player thriving on the left, highlighting the possible tactical upside for Malinski’s development on a new side.

Ovechkin remains a coveted goal threat, delivering league-leading goal upside when healthy and assigned to top-line duties on favorable schedules.