Washington Capitals rumors: Alex Ovechkin could join KHL

Going to the KHL could make some sense for Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.

It’s that time of the year. Bloggers and writers have their annual competition to see who has the worst possible take on Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. However, the offseason is also a time for players to consider their future. Ovechkin is no different.

Paul Stewart from Hockeybuzz brings up a very interesting point about The Great Eight and why he should at least consider joining the KHL.

"My view is that Ovechkin’s smartest move at this point may be to take some time away from the NHL and play in the KHL… That way, Ovechkin can play in the Olympics next year (as he has stated he plans to do regardless of whether the NHL participates)."

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Stewart notes going to the KHL did wonders for Jaromir Jagr and Ilya Kovalchuk. However, just because it worked for them doesn’t mean it works for Ovechkin. It’s not hard to see The Great Eight’s incentive to go to the KHL – the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Ovechkin has been very adamant about his desire to represent Russia. Meanwhile, the NHL plans on not sending its stars. If Ovechkin feels that strongly about playing in South Korea, going to the KHL is the easiest solution to his problems. He would be a rock star in Russia as his country’s most beloved athlete.

However, there are some serious long-term implications for the Capitals captain should he choose to go this route. First of all, Ovechkin’s legacy would take a huge hit. Whether it’s fair or not, the media would probably view it as Ovi screwing over the Caps. Secondly, Ovechkin would have to forfeit the remaining $40 million of his contract. Even for someone who has made an estimated $83 million so far in his career, that would be a huge hit.

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Sure, he could sign in the KHL and would likely be one of the highest paid players in the league. But even in a best case scenario where Ovechkin becomes the highest paid player in the KHL, he wouldn’t be getting $10 million a year. Alexander Radulov recently turned down an opportunity to be the best compensated player in Russia which would have given him roughly $7 million a year.

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This has nothing to do with money, though. Ovechkin’s decision would come down to the Olympics. However, Ovi leaving for the KHL would be a huge surprise. He’s committed to winning with the Washington Capitals. But this is a situation worth keeping an eye on. The KHL has leverage as they can let Ovechkin play in the Olympics. If they use it properly, Ovi’s got to make a pretty tough decision. It might well be a decision with no correct answer.