Ovechkin: Last season? The Capitals legend at 40 years old

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Alex Ovechkin: The End of an Era in Washington?

The Capitals legend, Alex Ovechkin, has reached another milestone in his career. Recently, the team captain turned 40 years old, a number that raises questions about his future in the NHL.

“Nothing has changed. Just a different number,” Ovechkin commented.

Alex Ovechkin
Last season, Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky, becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in NHL history. With 897 career goals, the Russian forward continues to leave an indelible mark on ice hockey. Tom Wilson, teammate, expressed his admiration for Ovechkin’s longevity in the sport. “It’s impressive. Hockey demands a lot from the body. We all play as much as we can. I don’t think anyone in the locker room is talking about playing at 40, let alone scoring 44 goals and having a broken leg like last year. He’s a machine,” Wilson stated. Ovechkin, known for his tenacity, seems to be enjoying a resurgence with the Capitals. Last season, despite an injury, he managed to score 44 goals in 65 games. Ovechkin’s future is uncertain. His current contract ends and he hasn’t decided yet if he will continue playing. “I don’t know if it will be the last one. We’ll see,” Ovechkin stated. The Capitals’ management respects his space and will give him time to make a decision. Coach Spencer Carbery highlights Ovechkin’s importance to the team, both on and off the ice.

“I think he loves the game. He loves coming to the rink, being with his teammates. He loves going out and competing and trying to win. I don’t think that’s going to change,” Carbery said.

Spencer Carbery
In addition to his possible retirement, Ovechkin has the opportunity to achieve new personal records, such as surpassing Gretzky in the combination of regular season and playoff goals. He could also set a record for the most goals scored by a 40-year-old player. John Carlson, another key Capitals player, has enjoyed “an incredible journey” alongside Ovechkin. The uncertainty about their captain’s future hasn’t affected the team’s focus. “He’s one of those guys that, it really doesn’t matter. If he plays well and wants to keep scoring goals, I’m sure they’ll find a way to keep him,” Wilson commented. The Capitals await Ovechkin’s decision, as he considers whether this will be the season the “Russian Machine” stops. Carbery concluded: “We have a lot of respect for Alex and everything he has done for this organization. So when it comes time to make a decision about his future, he will. We don’t know what the future holds. He has left it open. Certainly, as an organization, we are like, ‘Sure, as many more years as you can play’”.
Ovechkin: Last season? The Capitals legend at 40 years old
Since being selected as the number 1 pick in the 2004 NHL draft, Alex Ovechkin has only played for one NHL team.
Ovechkin: Last season? The Capitals legend at 40 years old
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