It’s time for some more NHL rumours. Training camp is underway, and preseason games are already going. However, that doesn’t mean the hot stove chatter has cooled down. Players may just be hitting the ice, but general managers are working hard trying to figure out their rosters for this year and beyond. Some massive names are set to hit the free agent market. However, other players have yet to decide their future beyond this season. We’ve already seen one player call it a career, but this edition of NHL rumours deals with the future of Alex Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals after this campaign.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Alex Ovechkin Answers Questions About Future with Washington Capitals
Rumour: The NHL’s all-time leading scorer spoke to the media last week and was asked about his future beyond the upcoming season. Ovechkin is heading into the final season of his current contract. However, he did not answer his future at the Capitals’ media day.
Analysis: The “Great 8” just celebrated his 40th birthday last week, and there have been some rumblings about whether this year will be a farewell tour. “No, not yet,” Ovechkin said. “So, we’ll see what’s going to happen.” It looks like Washington and Ovechkin are going to wait things out before deciding the future.
This approach seems to be just fine with the Capitals, as Ovechkin enters the final year of his deal. The Russian is coming off a 44-goal season that saw him surpass Wayne Gretzky as the top goal-scorer in NHL history. Ovechkin’s feat was impressive considering that he only played in 65 games due to a broken leg. He’s also only three goals away from the magical number of 900.
Ovechkin did leave Thursday’s practice with a lower-body injury. However, Washington coach Spencer Carbery called the move precautionary. The Russian did skate on Tuesday, but he was wearing a no-contact jersey.
What It Means
Washington made a significant jump up the standings and shockingly won the Metropolitan Division last season. However, the Capitals were ousted in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes. It seems that Ovechkin could be hard-pressed to repeat that season. However, don’t count out the veteran goalscorer.
Ovechkin isn’t the only important Capitals player that’s entering the final year of their respective contract. In a previous edition of NHL rumours, we discussed defenceman John Carlson and how the team is approaching that upcoming round of negotiations. Much like Ovechkin, the two sides have yet to have talks. It seems the Caps are taking that same wait-and-see approach with Carlson, like they are with Ovechkin.
The focus is going to be on Ovechkin’s contract, but Carlson’s deal will also be one that general manager Chris Patrick has to deal with. Despite this, it seems that both players are focused on playing hockey and getting the Capitals their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
The concerns about his deal will linger. However, Ovechkin and the Capitals will find a way no matter what the veteran decides to do after this season is over.a
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