Brian MacLellan Says Alex Ovechkin Will Play-Out His Final Contract Year
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Washington Capital President Brian MacLellan believes Alex Ovechkin will play next season, the final one of the contract he signed in 2021.
When asked directly by media if Ovechkin will return, MacLellan simply replied - Yeah.
"I think we've learned with him to leave possibilities open all the time," MacLellan continued. "I think he had a fun year this year. He really enjoyed himself. The team had a lot of fun together and was successful, and I think he'll come back, and we'll see where it goes from there. Hopefully, he has another good year."
To suggest that Alex Ovechkin had a good year is putting it mildly. He, in fact, had a legendary year. His accomplishments have been widely documented and are now part of hockey lore.
Ovi scored 44 goals in 65 games in 2024-2025, most ever by a player aged thirty-nine, or older. He scored at a 0.68 goals per game rate, the highest since 2010, while averaging 17:43 playing time minutes per game, the lowest of his career.
Projected over 82 games, Ovechkin scored at a pace of 56 goals. Healthy, he might have scored his 10th, 50-goal season, yet another record.
During Ovechkin's Breakdown media availability, he was asked about what he might accomplish in the upcoming season.
"To be honest with you, I haven't thought about it yet, but we'll see what's going to happen. Obviously, I'm going to do my best to be able to do well next, and we'll see."
One thing is certain for Ovechkin next season - he will continue to do incredible things. He is 3 goals shy of becoming the first NHL player ever to reach the 900 career goals plateau, and is 26 goals shy of 1000, season and playoffs combined.
Alex Ovechkin is clearly in a class of his own. And we have at least one more season to enjoy his on-ice mastery. He is eligible to sign a contract extension beginning July 1st.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 58 ANSWERS Brian MacLellan Says Alex Ovechkin Will Play-Out His Final Contract Year Do you believe Alex Ovechkin will sign an extension on July 1st? | ||
| yes | 20 | 34.5 % |
| no | 38 | 65.5 % |
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