Alex Ovechkin’s presence in the NHL is undoubtedly one of the most influential in the league. However, due to his age and physical condition, his future with the Washington Capitals remains uncertain. As a result, many are beginning to wonder what lies ahead — including GM Chris Patrick.
While it’s true that any team would love to have a player as talented as Ovechkin on their roster for years to come, sources within the Capitals organization have made it clear they don’t intend to rush anything. Conversations about what he plans to do moving forward will take place when the time is right.
That’s exactly what GM Chris Patrick strongly emphasized in a recent conversation with the media. He made it clear that this important decision rests with the team’s biggest star, stating that Ovechkin has earned the right to choose his own future on his own terms.
“He’s earned the right to make those decisions and calls in his career,” Patrick said. “So, you kind of just let him bring it to me what he’s thinking at whatever time he wants to talk about it, and we’ll go from there.”
Alex Ovechkin speaks to Russian media after the “Match of the Year” charity game in Moscow, where he addressed speculation about Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
What’s Ovechkin’s contract status?
Heading into the upcoming season, the contractual future of Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has become a significant storyline. The legendary forward is entering the final year of the five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed in 2021, which carries an average annual value of $9.5 million. As Ovechkin, who turns 40 in September, prepares for his 21st NHL campaign, the question of whether this will be his last year in the league looms large.
While the Capitals’ front office, including General Manager Chris Patrick, has stated they will let Ovechkin lead any future contract discussions, the silence on a potential extension has only intensified the speculation among fans and media.
Carbery shares his enthusiasm for coaching Ovechkin
Spencer Carbery knows he has a rare gem on his roster — a player who, despite becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, still carries that burning fire to achieve greatness.
“I think he was really disappointed after the Carolina series,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “That was a hard series, especially for our top skill guys, our top offensive players, our power play. So, they take that personal, and [Ovechkin] is not a hard guy to get up and motivate.
“You know he’s going to have that smile and he’s going to be ready, and when the puck drops, he’s going to, (a) want to win that hockey game, and (b) he’s going to want to put the puck in the back of the net. Just because he’s broken the record, I don’t see his motivation level or his determination to try to score and win hockey games changing whatsoever.”
