Washington Capitals get it right with Alex Ovechkin

The Washington Capitals have done it and now they’re set to make a run at another Stanley Cup. They have re-signed their captain, Alex Ovechkin. It was an obvious move and an obvious choice and Caps fans everywhere can rejoice.

Ovechkin made the announcement on his Twitter exclaiming “I’m back D.C.!”. He will be in D.C. for five more seasons giving him time to break Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record. Ovechkin’s contract will carry an average annual value of $9.5 million putting the great eight under contract through the 2025-26 season. Ovechkin sits sixth on the all time goals list with 730 career goals.

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Team owner Ted Leonsis said in a press release from the Caps: 

"“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 is the franchise leader in games played (1,197), goals, and points (1,320). He forever cemented his legacy as the greatest in hockey when he helped lead the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018. It not only proved his doubters wrong but gave Caps fans a memory that will last a lifetime.

General Manager Brian MacLellan added:

"“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.”"

The final year of Ovechkin’s contract will mark his 21st season with the Caps. In Washington, D.C. sports history only Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson and Washington Football Team cornerback Darrell Green have played at least 20 seasons with their respective team.

This contract perhaps even seals Ovechkin’s fate as the greatest athlete to play a sport in this city. It is going to be a lot of fun watching him go for Gretzky’s record for the next five years. We can all sleep easy the rest of the summer, Caps fans!