*Photo from Sportsnet*
The captain of the Washington Capitals isn't going anywhere. The Capitals and LW Alex Ovechkin have agreed on a 5 year, $47.5 million contract, with a $9.5 million AAV, according to the team. Ovechkin was an unrestricted free agent, but it was very unlikely he was signing anywhere but Washington.
Capitals GM Brian MacClellan said "Alex is the face of our franchise and is committed to this organization and this city. Alex embodies what our franchise is all about, and we're thrilled that he will continue his career in the Caps uniform for the next five years."
In his long career, Ovechkin has a storied history with Washington. The first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin leads the Capitals in goals, points, games played, power play goals, and power play points. He also leads the team in all those categories in playoff stats as well. He won the Conn Smythe trophy in 2018 as playoff MVP after leading the Capitals to the Stanley cup.
Last season with Washington, Ovechkin scored 24 goals and added 18 assists, with a -7 plus/minus in an ATOI of 19:30, playing in 45 regular season games. He added two goals and two assists in the playoffs as well. In 16 seasons, all with the Capitals, Ovechkin has 730 goals and 590 assists, with a +75 plus/minus in 1,197 regular season games.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said "Alex is a world-class athlete who will forever be regarded not only for leading the team to achieve our ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, but also for inspiring the next generation of fans and youth players. The impact Alex has had on hockey in D.C. extends well beyond Capital One Arena. His performance on the ice has undoubtedly sparked countless new fans of the game and inspired more youth players to lace up skates of their own. Off the ice, Alex's impact is equally unmatched. Not only is he committed to the franchise, but also to the community, and we look forward to seeing him in the Capitals uniform for years to come."
Ovechkin has collected quite the trophy case in his career in Washington. He won the Calder Trophy in 2006 as rookie of the year, he won the Hart trophy in 2008, 2009, and 2013, he won the Ted Lindsay trophy in 3 straight seasons from 2008-2010, and has been named a first team all star 8 times in his career.
With Ovechkin back in the fold, he continues his chase of the goals record, held by Gordie Howe. He is also back to try and lead the Capitals to another Stanley cup win.
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