There is a nervousness among the Washington Capitals faithful about the contract situation with longtime captain Alex Ovechkin. He is in the last season of a 13-year, $124 million deal. Talks between Ovechkin and the Capitals on a contract extension have been tabled until April.
Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan doesn’t appear worried over striking a deal.
“I don’t really have an update,” MacLellan told reporters, per NBC Sports Washington. “It’s the same as it’s been all year. We want him to finish his career here and I think he wants to finish his career here and at some point we’ll get it done.”
Ovechkin currently accounts for a cap hit of $9,538,462, which ranks 15th in the NHL, according to Spotrac. The 35-year old is looking to move up the chain in annual average salary. Meanwhile, MacLellan is looking to build a strong supporting cast to compete for another Stanley Cup title while honoring the franchise’s greatest player with a reasonable contract.
Playing in his 16th season, Ovechkin has struggled to score at his customary clip. Through 22 games, the nine-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner has nine goals and 10 assists with a minus-8 rating. His 0.41 goals per game is his lowest since 2016-17.
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