Overview
- T.J. Oshie said on the Home by 3 podcast that, after a private talk with Alex Ovechkin in Columbus, he believes the captain will sign a one-year farewell deal.
- Alex Ovechkin has not committed to playing and has cited his health, summer training, and his family’s wishes, noting his sons want him to keep going.
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that strong late-season debuts by 19-year-olds Cole Hutson and Ilya Protas are reasons Ovechkin is considering another year, with Hutson posting 10 points in 14 games and Protas four in four.
- The Capitals want clarity before the June 26–27 NHL Draft, and Ovechkin would become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he does not re-sign.
- Washington missed the playoffs and, as Pro Hockey Rumors notes, holds roughly $36.5 million in cap space, with a one-year Ovechkin deal projected near $9.1 million that could still leave room to add scoring.