Washington Capitals: Top 3 reasons to be hopeful for the future

#2 “In the drawer”

It hasn’t happened yet but once that check goes out of the drawer and Alex Ovechkin signs it, we can all exhale. Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Frideman said this in his 31 Thoughts recently about the matter:

"I can’t find anyone in the NHL who thinks Alexander Ovechkin’s extension isn’t already “in the drawer.”"

This could mean that the Ovechkin deal is pretty much done and the team is waiting to announce it at a later date. That date will probably be after the Seattle expansion draft. The Caps can actually leave him exposed in order to protect an extra forward since Ovechkin is an unrestricted free agent.

If the Kraken take him, they would have wasted an expansion draft pick on someone who can call their own shots and already told the media how they want to finish their career in Washington D.C. not the state.

Ovechkin told the media in his end of season media availability:

"“I want to finish my career here. I’m pretty sure we will do something soon.”"

Ted Leonsis said in early May when addressing Capitals and Wizards reporters:

"“Alex knows that if he plays five more years, 10 more years, whatever it is, we’ve got his back. Our commitment to him is to continue to have great teams. We’ll spend to the cap, we’ll try to win championships. And that’s what he’s focused on because that will be his legacy.”"

It is all promising. It is not an if but when will they announce this Ovechkin extension.