Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 2

Capitals Keep $4.375 Million Open for Alex Ovechkin as 929-Goal Star Weighs 22nd Season

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 2

Capitals Keep $4.375 Million Open for Alex Ovechkin as 929-Goal Star Weighs 22nd Season

Q: Can a 41-year-old Ovechkin, with new star wingers, still be the elite scorer a championship team needs?

Yes — but likely as a high-end finisher within a deeper contender, not as the one-man offensive engine he once was. The evidence is strong that Ovechkin can still score at a championship-useful level. At 40, he played all 82 games and still led Washington with 32 goals and 64 points. That is rare production at his age, and it came despite a career-low five power-play goals, suggesting there may still be room for a rebound if the Capitals improve a power play that ranked near the bottom of the league. The new wingers matter. Jordan Kyrou is a proven 30-goal scorer with speed Washington badly lacked, and Alex Tuch brings another 30-goal threat who scores from dangerous areas. Those additions should improve zone entries, rush offense and puck delivery to Ovechkin, reducing the burden on him to create everything himself. Better support could make his scoring more efficient even if his overall ice-driving ability continues to decline with age. The caution is obvious: very few NHL forwards remain elite into their 40s, and age-related drop-off is real. Ovechkin’s health is central, and Washington missed the playoffs last season, so this is not yet a proven contender. He is also no longer likely to be the all-situations dominant force of his prime. But if “elite scorer” means a 30-goal, game-changing shooter who can punish teams on a stronger roster, the answer is yes. If it means carrying a Cup favorite as its undisputed top offensive force, that is a much harder bet at 41.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 2

Washington still has roster room and just over $4.375 million in projected cap space to re-sign Alex Ovechkin, GM Chris Patrick said after the club's offseason spending spree.
Patrick said the Capitals can structure a one-year, 35-plus contract with bonuses to fit Ovechkin, citing Evgeni Malkin's deal as a model with a $5.5 million cap hit and $9 million potential payout.
Ovechkin, 40 and an unrestricted free agent, has not decided on a 22nd season; Patrick said the winger wants to gauge both his health and whether Washington looks like a contender again.
Washington's case to him now includes trades for Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch plus additions of Boone Jenner, Jonny Brodzinski, Justin Holl and Vincent Desharnais.
Ovechkin led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points last season, and Patrick said the team's upgrades should help shape the 929-goal captain's decision in talks expected soon.