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Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin’s Decision on NHL Future Will Come in July
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- Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin’s Decision on NHL Future Will Come in July
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin won't have a decision on his NHL future until after free agency on July 1. The 40-year-old spoke with FONBET at the Russian Cup Superfinal and confirmed that his decision will come in July.
Ovechkin is already back home in Moscow, as he attended the Russian Cup Superfinal between Spartak and Krasnodar. He sat down with FONBET's Vladislav Radimov, Dmitry Alenichev, Andrey Tikhonov, and Yegor Titov for an interview .
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Ovechkin was asked about his future, but responded saying that there's no decision at the moment. "I haven't decided yet," said Ovechkin, per translation.
FONBET then asked Ovechkin about when a decision will be made. The 40-year-old replied that he's not hiding anything and that he'll make an announcement this summer.
"It's no secret," said Ovechkin. "What's the secret? [I'll have that decision] in July for sure."
Ovechkin's contract expires on July 1 when NHL free agency begins. According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan , the Capitals would prefer The Great 8 make his decision before the NHL Draft on June 26-27. That way, the team could use some of their draft capital to improve their roster via trade.
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Ovechkin just finished his 21st NHL season, where he recorded 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points. However, the Capitals fell short of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Back in April, the 40-year-old hinted at a possible return , but was also going to take the time to make his decision. He also took multiple factors into account, like seeing the Capitals remain a legitimate contender.
"If I want to come back, it have to be a decision on, first of all, we're going to make the playoffs and we have to fight for a Cup. That's the biggest thing," said Ovechkin. "Otherwise, if you take different scenarios, like family-wise, health-wise, but team-wise, this is the most important thing for me."
The Capitals have plenty of cap space this summer, with $31.1 million per PuckPedia. At the same time, the team is looking to upgrade their top-six forwards with or without Ovechkin.
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