19 Nicklas Backstrom C

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Dishes out pair of helpers

Backstrom has been his usual stellar self in terms of helpers with eight assists in six games, but he's starting to shoot the puck more on the man advantage. The 30-year-old Swede is one of the most dependable playmakers in the league and should be played accordingly.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Piles on assists in rout

One of the best on-ice distributors the league has ever seen, Backstrom is on pace for 246 helpers this season. We all know that's unsustainable, but it's nonetheless a fun fact, and fantasy owners should know that the Swede has still accumulated a whopping 163 apples over the last three seasons.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Pots goal Friday

Backstrom centered Jakub Vrana and T.J. Oshie on what is likely to be Washington's second line to start 2018-19. The 30-year-old Swede is as heady a playmaker as there is in the NHL, but his even-strength numbers may take a hit if he is separated from Alex Ovechkin for long stretches. However, he gets enough power-play production to warrant drafting fairly early in all formats.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Back on the ice

Backstrom appears fully recovered from a broken finger that sidelined him during the middle of Washington's Stanley Cup run. The 30-year-old Swede should be an early round selection in all fantasy formats.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Won't require surgery

Backstrom missed four outings due to injury, but was able to help the Caps close out the last nine games of the season and lift Lord Stanley's Cup, as he tallied 10 points in those final contests. Considering the center won't need surgery, it seems unlikely his finger issue will linger into the 2018-19 campaign.