With Ovechkin 'Aware Of Where He Is In His Career,' What Will His Role Be Next Season For The Capitals? 'Possibilities Open'
The Capitals captain had 44 goals and overtook Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's all-time leading scorer this year. But what does the future hold with the game changing and him pushing 40?
ARLINGTON, V.A. — If the Washington Capitals have learned one thing over the last 20 years and counting, it’s to never rule anything out when it comes to Alex Ovechkin.
That’s why, going into his 21st NHL season, president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan said that anything’s on the table regarding the 39-year-old’s future.
“I think we’ve learned with him to leave possibilities open all the time,” MacLellan said with a laugh, adding, “I think he’ll come back and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Ovechkin is coming off a storybook season, where he overcame a broken leg to score 44 goals — the third most in the league — and overtake Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer while leading the Capitals to the top of the Eastern Conference. And, despite struggles against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, he had a team-leading five goals in 10 playoff games.
With one year left on his contract, the game changing and Ovechkin pushing 40 and averaging the lowest minutes of his career, questions remain regarding what his role will look like next season, especially with Washington trying to continue getting younger.
General manager Chris Patrick said that Ovechkin understands the circumstances and that he’ll work with the coaching staff to be on the same page regarding how he’ll be utilized next season.
“I think a lot of that is a Spencer and Alex conversation. Having spoken with him a little bit after the season, I think he's pretty aware of where he is in his career and being 40 next year. Not many guys have played in this league at that age, let alone scored as many goals in a season as he has,” Patrick said. “I think him and Carbs, they have a great relationship. They can be open and honest with each other. I think they'll hopefully be on the same page with usage and role going forward."
For Ovechkin, he just hopes he makes the team in the first place.
“You, for me, (the goal’s), first of all, to make the roster at 40 years old,” Ovechkin quipped. “Like, I have to pass the skating test. That’s the one thing, and then we’ll see.”