Age milestone reached by Alex Ovechkin: 40. The future of the Washington star beyond this season is unclear.
In the world of ice hockey, the Washington Capitals are facing a season filled with intrigue and anticipation. As the team prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, the focus remains on the contract status of their star player, Alex Ovechkin, and the milestones he is poised to achieve.
Ovechkin, who is entering his 21st season with the Capitals, is currently under contract, with a five-year deal worth $47.5 million that expires after the 2025-26 season. However, the Russian superstar has not yet made a decision about his future beyond this period.
The Capitals, who unexpectedly finished atop the Metropolitan Division last season and won a playoff series for the first time since 2018, are supportive of Ovechkin's decision and believe he will decide when he's ready.
One of the most significant milestones Ovechkin is chasing is the record for career goals. Currently, he is three goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record of 900 career goals. His teammates, including Patrick and Tom Wilson, are excited for this historic moment.
"Ovechkin is a staple of this team," Wilson said. "We won't think of him not being around until it becomes apparent."
Meanwhile, on the coaching front, the Capitals have been making waves. Coach Spencer Carbery won the Jack Adams Award as the league's coach of the year in the 2024-25 season. However, the team is currently navigating an ongoing NHL investigation that led to assistant coach Mitch Love being placed on leave. The Capitals cannot comment much on the matter.
Another key player, John Carlson, is nearing the end of his eight-year contract. Despite this, Carlson has stated he is not currently thinking about contract security. Similarly, he has had no discussions about an extension yet.
Despite the off-field distractions, the Capitals have managed to avoid a drastic rebuild since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, missing the playoffs just once in the last 11 seasons. Ovechkin, who scored 44 goals last season despite a broken leg that limited him to 65 games, continues to show no signs of waning enthusiasm for the sport.
Coach Carbery believes Ovechkin's reaction to scoring a goal this season will be similar to his entire career. "He's always been a player who loves the game, and that passion never fades," Carbery said.
As the season approaches, the focus remains on Ovechkin's contract status, but milestones also continue to be a factor. With Gretzky's record within reach, fans, teammates, and coaches alike are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a historic season for the Washington Capitals.
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