NHL News: Stanley Cup champ with Alex Ovechkin, Capitals reportedly eyeing return to Washington on prove-it deal

Coming off their Presidents’ Trophy win in the 2024-25 NHL season, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are after even bigger accolades now. Hoping to hoist another Stanley Cup, reports suggest a former teammate could return to the franchise.

Though the regular season was one to remember in Washington, the Capitals couldn’t help but feel they were knocked out too early in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Chasing redemption in the form of silverware, Ovechkin and company are now gearing up for a crucial 2025-26 campaign.

Still, the Capitals’ opening night roster is far from being set in stone. Much can change, including the return of a former fan-favorite, who hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2018. According to reports, Evgeny Kuznetsov could be returning to D.C. on a professional tryout (PTO) contract ahead of training camp.

“If I had to roll the dice, I’d say Washington gives [Kuznetsov] a PTO,” Michael Augello said onthe latest episode of The Wraparound. “He seems to be hanging around the Washington area, and I think maybe hoping and praying [owner] Ted Leonsis takes pity on him. So, I’ll guess the Capitals.”

Evgeny Kuznetsov #92 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Capital One Arena on November 24, 2023 in Washington, DC.

“Maybe as long as Ovechkin is there for one more year, the Capitals give them one more chance to run it back,” Emma Lingan added.

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Aging

While Kuznetsov’s history with the Caps is impossible to overlook, it’s been a while since the glory days of 2018. The Capitals had parted ways with the veteran during the 2023-24 NHL season, trading him to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Since, Kuznetsov spent the past campaign back in Russia, playing for the SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Whether Washington or any NHL franchise takes a chance on him remains to be seen.

“There’s a lot of storm clouds there, you can’t ignore the talent, but he’s 33 years old. With this league getting younger and bigger, I just don’t know whether many teams will go in his direction,” Augello concluded.