Washington Capitals celebrity Alex Ovechkin has not but decided on whether or not or not he’s going to play in the course of the 2026-27 NHL season. Based mostly on the best way he talked on Thursday, it positive feels like he is perhaps leaning towards returning for a twenty second season.
Alex Ovechkin provides hints towards future
Ovechkin mentioned on Thursday that he’s “fairly positive” Tuesday’s sport towards the Columbus Blue Jackets won’t be his final sport within the NHL.
“To be sincere with you, I am fairly positive it isn’t my final sport. I hope it isn’t my final sport, towards Columbus,” mentioned Ovechkin, via ESPN. “I’ve to decide to see the place we’re at. The group, household. The youngsters are already asking me, ‘Dad, are you staying or no?’ And I inform them, ‘We’ll see.’ They need me to return again. They love the town, they love the group, they love the boys.”
Ovechkin has not but spoken with Capitals basic supervisor Chris Patrick about his future but.
Following the Capitals’ sport towards the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, which was doubtlessly his final sport towards longtime rival Sidney Crosby, Penguins gamers remained on the ice to doubtlessly shake palms with Ovechkin within the occasion he retires after the season. However Ovechkin rapidly waved them off, maybe an indication that he was not planning on that being his final sport towards the group.
Including to the query is the very fact Ovechkin is an unrestricted free agent this summer time, and if he does need to return that’s going to have to return with the Capitals wanting to supply him a brand new contract. From a PR standpoint it’s a no-brainer, and Ovechkin continues to be a 30-goal scorer at the same time as he’s now over the age of 40. However he’s not fairly the participant he was at his peak and is a really one-dimensional participant at this level who must be sheltered in the suitable roles.
There may be nonetheless a use for him and a price in what he gives. The Capitals simply must determine if they need it.
Ovechkin was additionally requested on Thursday if he would ever take into account enjoying for a special NHL, and jokingly replied that he’s a free agent, earlier than including “most likely not.”
