All articles tagged with #ovechkin
Alex Ovechkin will return for a 22nd NHL season with the Capitals on a one-year contract carrying an average annual value of $4.25 million, as Washington aims to rebound from missing the playoffs and pursue another Stanley Cup.
Alex Ovechkin inked a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Washington Capitals, with incentives that could push the value to about $9 million, ensuring at least one more season for the 41-year-old to chase the NHL’s all-time goals record and help the Capitals pursue another deep playoff run.
Ovechkin, nearly 41 and the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, re-signs with the Capitals on a one-year contract with a $4.25M cap hit ($1M base salary, $3.25M signing bonus) and up to a $4.75M performance bonus if he plays 10 games, potentially earning $9M; his return anchors Washington’s playoff push as the team added depth via offseason moves to support contending plans.
The Capitals, after a busy start to free agency that added Jenner, Desharnais, Brodzinski, Holl and Dunne, reportedly have about $4.38M in cap space but can use the NHL’s performance-bonuses mechanism (including a 7.5% cushion) to fit Alex Ovechkin under the cap. GM Chris Patrick says there are levers to pull and expects to discuss a potential return with Ovechkin, emphasizing winning remains a priority. The team also bolstered its depth with Kyrou and Tuch, and a cap rise next summer could ease any future overages as they pursue a championship window.
Capitals GM Chris Patrick and president Brian MacLellan said they’re giving Alex Ovechkin time to decide his future, with plans for either him returning to a Cup-contending window or moving on. They emphasized the goal of keeping the team competitive, discussed a potential role for Ovechkin next season, noted ownership involvement and cap-space flexibility, and indicated a decision would ideally come around the draft but will respect Ovechkin’s process.
Alex Ovechkin said he doesn’t know yet if he’ll retire, telling reporters he hasn’t made a decision as his team contemplates the season, and even his young sons are left guessing as they ask about his future.
During Breakdown Day, 40-year-old Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said he isn't ready to rule out a return and will decide based on whether Washington can make the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup, along with family and health considerations. The Capitals missed the playoffs after selling assets at the trade deadline; Ovechkin, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, plans to speak with GM Chris Patrick after the season and draft about staying, with roughly $40 million in cap space to add pieces for a title run. He praised the young players who stepped up and noted health and training factors will influence his decision.
Before what could be Alex Ovechkin’s final NHL game, he sat for a pregame ESPN interview with longtime Capitals teammate TJ Oshie, who surprised him with his go-to snack duo—Subway and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The pair discussed Ovechkin’s future, health, and the difficult decision ahead, noting he played all 82 games this season at age 40—the fifth player in NHL history to do so—and reflecting on what he might miss if he retires.
Alex Ovechkin hinted at an undecided future after what could be his final Capitals home game, waving off the Penguins during a handshake line as Crosby organized the gesture. The 100th Capitals–Penguins meeting ended with Ovechkin earning an assist on Connor McMichael’s empty-net goal, and he noted he’ll decide whether to return this summer despite fans chanting for “One more year.”
Evgeni Malkin states he doesn’t believe Alex Ovechkin will retire after this season, predicting a return next year because he’s still hungry and had a 30-plus goal season. The longtime rivals and friends shared dinners and memories off the ice, underscoring their deep bond from Russian junior days to the NHL as Ovechkin’s possible final home game unfolded.
Ahead of what could be Alex Ovechkin's final Capitals home game, he shared a legendary pregame photo with Sidney Crosby as the Penguins visit; the two are set to face off in their 100th career meeting, with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang briefly in frame before departing, and Ovechkin remaining undecided about returning next season.
Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, whose 20-year rivalry defined an era, could meet for the last time this weekend in their 100th and 101st head-to-head, with Ovechkin’s future uncertain and both players reflecting on their historic clash and off-ice friendship.
Ovechkin and Crosby, two of hockey’s defining stars, will close out the regular season with back‑to‑back games—the 100th and 101st head‑to‑head meetings of their 21‑season rivalry. With the Capitals fighting for a playoff spot and the Penguins already clinched in the Metro, the weekend matchups in Pittsburgh and Washington have fans wondering if this could be the final chapter of their enduring duel, as both players emphasize enjoying the moment and playing the right way while continuing to push their historic careers (Ovechkin with 928 goals; Crosby with 1,761 points).
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will meet for their 100th and 101st head-to-head in a weekend home-and-home, a marquee chapter in hockey’s greatest rivalry, with Crosby hoping to enjoy the competition as Pittsburgh pursues playoff position and home ice while Ovechkin contemplates the end of his career.
Capitals roll out a 700-pound line for Ilya Protas's NHL debut, skating with his 6-foot-6 brother Aliaksei and Tom Wilson as Washington's second line against the Maple Leafs. The trio’s combined weight is about 700 pounds, a fact captain Alex Ovechkin called the heaviest line in the league. Teammates and Leafs staff offered playful notes on their size, while Capitals coach Spencer Carbery highlighted their size and smart positioning as a help for the rookie’s transition. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. at Scotiabank Arena, with Carbery typically giving debutants the opening shift.