Harry Lichtman
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin may not be done just yet. The 40-year-old hinted at a possible return at Thursday’s media breakdown day.
The NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer is still deciding whether to return for his 22nd season. Ovechkin currently stands at 929 career goals in 1,573 games.
“To be honest, I’m pretty sure it’s not my last game,” said Ovechkin. “I hope it’s not my last game against Columbus. How I said, I have to make a decision, see where we are.”
Ovechkin said that he would decide on his future in the offseason after talking to family and friends. He has yet to speak with the Capitals’ coaching staff and management.
Ovechkin also joked that general manager Chris Patrick wants to sign him for two more years. At the same time, The Great 8 wants the Capitals to contend again.
“First of all, we have to make the playoffs and we have to fight for the Cup,” said Ovechkin. “That’s probably the biggest thing.”
The Great 8’s decision will also depend on his health and family. He also said that his sons, Ilya and Sergei, want him to play again.
“They keep asking. I say we’ll see,” Ovechkin said with a smile. “They’re excited. They want me to come back because they love the city, love the team, love the boys.”
Ovechkin is set to become a free agent this offseason, though he doesn’t plan to sign with another team. Another possibility is that the 40-year-old returns to the Russian KHL, where he played with Moscow Dynamo.
In his 21st season, Ovechkin recorded 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 82 games. Despite pulling his hamstring early on, he was able to play all 82 games for the first time since 2017-18.
