National Hockey League icon Alex Ovechkin has brushed off retirement talks as he aims to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank to lead the Washington Capitals to another Stanley Cup title.
The league’s all-time leading scorer, who turns 41 in September, did not commit to whether he will hang up his skates after playing his 22nd season with the Capitals.
“We’ll see. Right now, I’m focusing on coming back to DC and showing that I’m still a good player and I can help the team win,” he said during a press event.
Ovechkin, who has scored an NHL-record 929 goals in 1,573 games, also hinted at the possibility of playing beyond next season following his wife Nastya’s positive response about his future.
“You never know… But I was talking to my wife and she’s like, ‘OK, let’s go one more year,” he said, adding that his wife said he could play for another two years.
Ovechkin signs one-year deal with Capitals
The Russian superstar signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million to continue his historic career with the Capitals, ending speculation about his future.
According to the team, Ovechkin will earn a $1 million salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus, along with a $4.75 million performance bonus if he plays at least 10 games, RMNB reported.
Later, Ovechkin announced his return to the Capitals in a press release, saying, “I’m back! Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision.”
He said he is thrilled to return and help the team reach the play-offs while competing for another Stanley Cup alongside his team-mates and coaching staff.
“I’m excited to come back and join my team-mates so we can fight for a play-off spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC,” he added.
Similarly, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis expressed hope that Ovechkin, who has spent his entire NHL career with Washington, will lead the team to another Stanley Cup after capturing its lone title in 2018.
“From the day we drafted him, Ovi has played with unmatched passion, relentless drive, and an unwavering commitment to his team-mates, our fans, and our city,” he wrote on a social media post.
“The greatest goal scorer in NHL history isn’t done writing Capitals story. Neither are we. Let’s chase another Cup together,” he added.
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‘Rebirth’ of the Washington Capitals
Ovechkin’s return came as the Capitals bolstered their roster this off-season after an underwhelming first half of last season left them scrambling for a play-off spot.
The team traded for St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou and acquired winger Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade with the Buffalo Sabres.
Washington also signed Columbus centre Boone Jenner, Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski, and defencemen Justin Holl and Vincent Desharnais from the Blues and Sharks, respectively.
Leonsis described the team’s off-season moves as “a rebirth” for the Capitals after the club felt “empty” following its disappointing campaign, calling it one of the team’s strongest and deepest line-ups in recent years.
Ovechkin admitted that these moves helped in luring him back to return to the team for another push for a deep play-off run.
“What management did, trading for new players and signing new guys, we have lots of depth in our line-up. I’m very excited for the team and for the fans, too, because on paper we have one of the best teams,” he said.
Ovechkin, Capitals tight-lipped on role
Despite the excitement surrounding his return, both Ovechkin and the Capitals declined to elaborate on his role this season amid growing speculation that his playing time could decrease under coach Spencer Carbery.
However, general manager Chris Patrick noted that Ovechkin can “move up and down the line-up,” giving the team greater flexibility and offensive options.
Meanwhile, Carbery said Ovechkin will continue to be “productive” during his ice time, though he declined to discuss how the veteran forward will fit into the team’s reconfigured line-up.
“He can still continue to defy odds and be a very productive, good NHL player for the Washington Capitals and help us win a lot of hockey games,” he said, as quoted by NHL.com.
“That’s the way that I see it going. And then also continue to be the leader that he’s been through his career as our captain and continue to help a winning team, hopefully a play-off team.”
Fans hope for an exciting season
Although Ovechkin’s exact role has yet to be defined, fans expect an exciting NHL season after an emotionally challenging campaign that included the departures of franchise pillars such as John Carlson.
The team traded the 36-year-old defenseman to the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline after he spent his entire NHL career in Washington since making his debut in 2009, Yahoo Sports reported.
Washington also traded long-time centre Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking the team’s transition to a younger roster.
Despite the departures of Carlson and Dowd and a revamped line-up, fans are eager to see how far the Capitals can go as Ovechkin pursues what could be another Stanley Cup before retirement.
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