Washington Capitals

Ovechkin on Deal With Capitals: “Maybe We’ll Sign a Contract Right Now”

Alex Ovechkin seemed to squash any talk that he might not re-sign with the Capitals. He joked he might sign a contract today.

by
NHL Trade Talk
May 25, 2021

I suppose we can put to bed any rumors that Alex Ovechkin is thinking about leaving the Washington Capitals as an unrestricted free agent. Despite some off-ice issues for his team and a disappointing finish to their 2020-21 NHL season, Ovechkin says he’s extremely comfortable he’ll be back and joked he might just “sign a contract right now.”

Ovechkin talked about his future in the NHL, catching Wayne Gretzky and more in a media available this week and said he believes he and the Capitals will get a deal done. He’d like to finish his career as a member of this team and said, “I’m confident. We still have time. Obviously I want to finish my career here.”

He called it a tough year, not just for his team, but the entire league. As for the Caps, it is what it is and they tried but they missed on their opportunities. It’s too early to think about what all happened and while they’re not happy with how things ended, he didn’t give any indication that he’s tired of this team, his teammates or the organization.

When asked about playing long enough to possibly catch Wayne Gretzky atop the all-time scoring lead, he responded “one step at a time, man.” Noting there’s always chances if he plays, it will be interesting to see if that record is on his mind when negotiating his contract extension. Obviously, the longer the deal, the better the chances he gives himself to catch the Great One.

Ovechkin called it such a hard year and so physically taxing that he’d rather take the time off to rest instead of suit up for Russia at the Worlds. That said, if they need him, they know they can count on him and he’ll be there.

Alex Ovechkin Ilya Samsonov Washington Capitals Upper Deck

This Is Good News for the Capitals

Not that there was really ever a concern Ovechkin would want out, there was talk after a few rough patches this past season and a couple of frustrating moments during their playoff series that maybe, for the first time, he might be open to a change. John Carlson said the group is confident the group has another run in them and that they still have a really good team.

That they didn’t come close to their goals this season will probably only motivate Ovechkin and a motivated Ovechkin is a dangerous Ovechkin.

Next: Why the Oilers and Connor McDavid Trade Talk is Such a Tired Take