Alex Ovechkin’s future received so much attention in the previous offseason. Now, once again, we are getting to see some discussions as the season moves toward its end. The Washington Capitals captain is still producing on the ice, but he has not shared a clear plan about what comes next.
That silence has left many around the league waiting for clarity.
Former Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau Unsure of Alex Ovechkin’s Future
Ovechkin is in the final season of his five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Capitals, which expires after 2025-26. Right now, he is making $9.5 million annually on average, and the contract also includes both a no-movement clause and a modified no-trade clause.
Currently, there is no extension in place, and Ovechkin has said he will likely decide after the season whether he wants to continue playing.
Former Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau spoke about the situation on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio and made it clear he does not know what Ovechkin will do.
He said, “Yeah, Jesus, I wish I knew. Like, I mean, there are some days when I watch him and he looks so happy. I think he’s going to play forever. There are some days that, you know, it might be the third game in four nights, he looks a little slower than normal. I’m wondering whether he’s going to continue.”
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Boudreau also shared that Ovechkin has kept his plans private, and even people around the team have not given any hints.
He said, “But he’s keeping it so close to the vest. Like, I have no idea. And anybody I talk to in Washington, when I’m there, nobody says anything.”
Boudreau also spoke about how Ovechkin should be honored if he decides to retire. Boudreau said, “If he did decide to hang them up, I would hope he would tell everybody a week before so we can give him, both in Pittsburgh and in Washington, his dues.” He believes a player who has spent 20 years at this level deserves that kind of send-off.
The Capitals’ 80th and 81st games this season, which are back-to-back, are scheduled against the Pittsburgh Penguins, one at home and one away. That means Ovechkin will be facing his longtime rival and now friend, Sidney Crosby.
So, the Capitals’ schedule could carry extra meaning if Ovechkin decides this is his last NHL season. Additionally, those matchups could become important moments for fans in both cities.
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On the ice, Ovechkin continues to produce. He scored his 922nd career goal in a win against Ottawa, marking another 25-goal season. He is the all-time goal-scoring leader in the regular season after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s 894 career goals record last season.
Meanwhile, the Capitals are still in the playoff race, sitting 6 points out, so the focus remains on the current season. So, for now, there is no clear answer about Ovechkin’s future, but he is not alone in waiting for that decision.
