The Washington Capitals have been one of the most surprising clubs over the last couple of seasons. Following their 2018 Stanley Cup victory, the team seemed on the decline. An aging core continued to produce, but lacked the sort of supporting cast needed to excel.
However, a retool on the fly has become the new NHL standard. After barely making the playoffs in 2023-24, the Capitals rose to the top of the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. Part of that resurgence was the ongoing outstanding play by captain Alexander Ovechkin.
Fast-forward to this season, and the Capitals have recovered from a subpar start. They’re back on top of the Metro Division standings and looking to make a serious playoff run. Ovechkin, meanwhile, eclipsed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring mark.
But those achievements have done little to overshadow a stark reality. Ovechkin is 40 and in the final year of his current contract. While he hasn’t hinted at retirement, he hasn’t exactly given much indication of what his future holds.
Nevertheless, the comments in a recent interview with RG Media point towards a KHL return for Ovechkin.
The Capitals’ superstar stated:
“Right now, I’m not thinking about it, to be honest with you. I’m focused on the season, I’m focused on the next game, and we’ll see what’s going to happen in the future.”
That future includes a return to the KHL’s Moscow Dynamo. Ovechkin has maintained a close relationship with his hometown club over the years. Whether that return to Moscow becomes a ceremonial one to close out his career remains uncertain.
The possibility of Ovechkin retiring from the NHL and closing out his career in the KHL is also on the table.
Ovechkin Drawing Praise from Opposition
A player truly becomes a superstar when he draws praise from opposing players and executives. Ovechkin has done just that over the years. In particular, recent comments by Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere have put into focus just how good Ovechkin has been over the years.
Briere stated the following, per RG:
“Ovi, to me, what he is a power forward with the hands of a finesse player. You don’t see that very often. You watch him play, he can hit you with his shoulder or turn around and score an amazing goal off the rush or blast a one-timer from the top of the circle.”
The Capitals captain’s overall skill set prompted Briere to conclude:
“You see guys that are power forwards who can play hard and can hit. Or you have the opposite, guys who can score goals with finesse. Or you have guys who have a great shot and can beat you from the outside. He’s at the top level of all those three ways of playing the game. That, to me, is what’s very impressive.”
Briere’s comments make up a long list of praise that the Capitals’ star has accrued over his 20-plus seasons.
Capitals in Holding Pattern over Ovechkin
Ultimately, the Capitals are in a holding pattern as they await Ovechkin’s decision. The Russian star may choose to call it a career this offseason. He might still choose to play. He doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.
Father Time, nevertheless, is undefeated. At some point, Ovechkin may realize it’s time to hang up his NHL skates. In the meantime, the Capitals will be more than willing to give the franchise’s greatest player ever the chance to go out on his own terms.
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