Ovechkin to Play 22Nd Season With Capitals After Signing Extension

WHO:

NHL.com - Longtime teammate John Carlson, who signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, expressed he was "0 percent (surprised)" by Ovechkin's decision to return.

Daily Mail Sports - Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Chris Patrick (Capitals GM)

ESPN - Tom Wilson, Cole Hutson, Spencer Carbery (Capitals coach)

WHAT:

ESPN - Ovechkin's new contract has an average annual value of $4.25 million, with a $1 million base salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus, and a potential total salary of $9 million if he plays at least 10 games.

ESPN - Ovechkin had 32 goals and 32 assists last season, playing in all 82 games.

ESPN - Ovechkin's new deal has an average annual value of $4.25 million, with a $1 million base salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus. He will earn a $4.75 million bonus if he plays at least 10 games, increasing his total salary to $9 million.

NHL.com - Ovechkin ranks 10th in NHL history with 1,686 points in 1,572 regular-season games and is second in Capitals history with 758 assists, behind Nicklas Backstrom's 762.

NHL.com - Ovechkin has scored 77 goals in the playoffs, including a League-leading 15 during the Capitals’ run to the Cup in 2018, when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player in the postseason.

NHL.com - Ovechkin's combined total of 1,006 goals is second in NHL history, 10 behind Gretzky, who had 1,016.

NHL.com - Ovechkin became the fourth player in NHL history to score 30 goals at age 40 or older, joining Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, and Teemu Selanne.

ESPN - Ovechkin's new deal carries a $1 million base salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus, with a potential total salary of $9 million if he plays at least 10 games.

ESPN - Ovechkin stated, "Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I'm excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win."

Fox News - Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year deal worth a $4.25 million cap hit, taking a 50% pay cut that gives the Washington Capitals key roster flexibility.

Daily Mail Sports - Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year deal to return to the Washington Capitals for his 22nd NHL season.

ESPN - Ovechkin is an unrestricted free agent and the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 929 goals.

ESPN - Ovechkin led Washington in goals (32) and points (64) last season.

WHERE:

ESPN - Washington Capitals, NHL

WHEN:

ESPN - Ovechkin turns 41 in September.

WHY:

ESPN - Ovechkin's primary concerns regarding his return are his health and whether the Capitals have improved their roster enough to be a contender after missing the playoffs last season.

ESPN - Chris Patrick mentioned that the Capitals' offseason moves are intended to improve the team and inform Ovechkin's decision about returning.

HOW:

ESPN - Capitals GM Chris Patrick stated, "There are enough levers for us to pull. I think that we can do something that would work for him," regarding Ovechkin's contract structure.

ESPN - Ovechkin's contract structure includes an incentive that would increase his total salary to $9 million if he meets the performance criteria.

ESPN - The Capitals have added several players, including Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner, Jonny Brodzinski, Justin Holl, and Vincent Desharnais, through trades and free agency.

ESPN - Patrick stated that the Capitals have enough cap room and roster space to accommodate Ovechkin if he decides to return.

ESPN - Ovechkin is eligible for an incentive-laden contract due to being over 35, which could include performance bonuses similar to Evgeni Malkin's contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Alex Ovechkin has officially signed a new contract with the Washington Capitals, featuring an average annual value of $4.25 million, which includes a $1 million base salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus, with the potential to earn up to $9 million if he plays at least 10 games. Longtime teammate John Carlson, who recently joined the Tampa Bay Lightning, said he was "0 percent (surprised)" by Ovechkin's decision to return, while Capitals GM Chris Patrick expressed confidence in their ability to create a contract structure that works for Ovechkin. Last season, Ovechkin showcased his skills by scoring 32 goals and providing 32 assists, participating in all 82 games.