Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin’s work may not be done yet. The 40-year-old hinted at a possible comeback on 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 has 929 career goals in 1,573 games.
“Honestly, I’m pretty sure this isn’t my last game,” Ovechkin said. “I hope this isn’t my last game against Columbus. How I said, I have to make a decision, see where we are.”
Ovechkin said he would make a decision about his future in the offseason after talking to family and friends. He is yet to talk to the Capitals coaching staff and management.
Ovechkin also joked that general manager Chris Patrick wanted to sign him for two more years. The Great 8, meanwhile, wants the Capitals to compete again.
“First of all, we have to make the playoffs and we have to fight for the Cup,” Ovechkin said. “That’s probably the biggest thing.”
The Great 8’s decision will also depend on their 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, smiling. “They’re excited. They want me to come back because they love the city, love the team, love the guys.”
Ovechkin is set to become a free agent this offseason, although he does not plan to sign with another team. Another possibility is that the 40-year-old Russian returns to the 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 straining his hamstring early on, he was able to play all 82 games for the first time since 2017–18.
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