With top center Nicklas Backstrom out indefinitely with a hip injury, Head Coach Peter Laviolette has several decisions about filling out the heart of his order. Three of the four spots are set, but two youngsters are auditioning to replace Backstrom for the final center role.
Evgeny Kuznetsov
Perhaps no player will be as pivotal to the Washington Capitals’ success this season as Kuznetsov. With Backstrom out, Kuznetsov instantly becomes the most talented forward of this group. Last season, however, the 29-year-old was more of a distraction than a boon to the organization.