The Washington Capitals’ offseason overhaul brought two new names to the front of the lineup, and The Hockey News thinks both could make noise right away.
Alex Tuch is the bigger swing of the two. THN’s Yearbook and Fantasy Guide projects him for 35 goals and 35 assists, good for 70 points in an average of 80 games. If that holds, it would be his best scoring output since 2022-23 with the Buffalo Sabres, when he posted 36 goals and 43 assists for 79 points in 74 games.
That kind of production would fit neatly with the deal Washington made to get him. Tuch signed an eight-year contract with the Capitals in a sign-and-trade earlier this season, and he arrives with a resume that already includes two straight 30-goal seasons and at least 66 points in three of the last four years.
He also brings more than offense. Tuch can take on big minutes, work both special teams units, and handle responsibilities on either side of the puck. He’s the type of forward who gives a coach options, not just goals.
Jordan Kyrou is the other fresh face, landing in Washington in the deal that sent Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gästrin and the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft the other way. THN sees him as another immediate top-six addition, projecting 30 goals and 32 assists for 62 points in an 81-game pace, the same mark listed for Aliaksei Protas heading into the season.
For Kyrou, that would count as a rebound from last season with the Blues, when he finished with 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points in 72 games. Before that, though, he rattled off three straight 30-goal seasons, and his speed and scoring touch give Washington another dangerous wing option.
The Hockey News’ Yearbook and Fantasy Guide is available for purchase here.
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