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Washington Capitals trade rumors: Alex Ovechkin would have suitors

By Dave Stevenson

May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) stands on the ice after the Capitals 2-0 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) stands on the ice after the Capitals 2-0 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Capitals would have no issues finding teams interested should they choose to trade Alex Ovechkin. 

The Washington Capitals are in for an offseason of change. This change could be huge, perhaps even franchise shaking. Without question, the biggest trade they could feasibly make this offseason revolves around star captain Alex Ovechkin. There are some good reasons to trade him, but it’s very complicated because of what he means to the franchise.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently joined NHL Network to discuss the possibility of The Great Eight being traded. And he has some fascinating insights into the dynamics of it.

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“I think if the Capitals wanted to trade him – and that’s an if – I think they’d have no problem finding a partner,” said Friedman, via NHL Network. “Ovechkin would sell tickets. He would sell out buildings. And even though we’re talking about this being a down year for him, he still scored 33 goals and he can make your power play lethal. I don’t think they would have any trouble trading Ovechkin if they wanted to.”

(Credit to Chris Nichols from FanRag Sports for transcribing the interview)

Friedman raises some excellent points. First of all, the Capitals likely aren’t going to trade him. Friedman hints at this early on. Secondly, any team who wouldn’t want Ovechkin is most likely either not a serious contender, lying or kidding themselves. Even rebuilding teams would likely kick the tires on The Great Eight’s availability. He’s a marketable star who fills arenas. Those don’t grow on trees.

Worth noting is Ovechkin has a no trade clause which allows him to block a trade to 10 teams of his choosing. But still, that leaves 21 NHL teams, with most of them interested in obtaining him. Ovechkin, even in his decline, is a remarkable goal scorer. And history shows he’s probably not done yet.

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Whether or not the Capitals trade Ovechkin will likely be decided by majority owner Ted Leonsis. Usually, owners should stay out of these things. However, trading Ovechkin would be a franchise altering move. Nobody realizes the importance of The Great Eight more than Leonsis, who has helped him rebuild a franchise from the ground up.

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