Alex Ovechkin has announced his intention to return to the Washington Capitals for his 21st NHL season after a remarkable last season where he broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing career goal-scoring record. The Russian sniper registered 44 goals this past season, elevating his total to 897, solidifying his position as one of the game’s greatest goal-scorers.
During a light-hearted moment on locker cleanout day, Ovechkin joked about the challenges of making the team at 40 years old, subtly addressing the age-related concerns surrounding his career. Nevertheless, he made it clear that his focus for the offseason will be on conditioning and preparation for the upcoming season. “I’m going to use those couple months [in the offseason] to rest, enjoy my life, then back to work,” Ovechkin stated.
Despite the Capitals’ earlier-than-expected exit from the playoffs after a second-round defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin led his team with five goals in ten playoff games. Coach Spencer Carbery praised him for not only his individual achievements but also for being a strong leader on the team throughout the season. “He did what he came back this year to prove and show, and he did it in the playoffs as well,” Carbery noted.
Looking ahead, Ovechkin expressed his eagerness to chase a second Stanley Cup title to add to the championship he won in 2018. His longtime teammate, Tom Wilson, remains optimistic about Ovechkin’s scoring trajectory, suggesting that reaching the milestone of 900 career goals is within reach. “You can never count that guy out. He’s such a tremendous leader,” Wilson remarked.
While there remains uncertainty about Ovechkin’s future beyond his current contract, which is set to expire after next season, he remains committed to delivering his best performance and contributing to the team’s success in their quest for another championship. This determination, coupled with his proven track record, offers hope to Capitals fans as they look forward to next season.