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2w ago

Ovechkin Weighs Return as Oshie Predicts One-Year Deal

Washington wants his decision before the June draft to shape its offseason.

Image
Apr 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Ilya Protas (62) celebrates a goal on the Pittsburgh Penguins with left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and center Justin Sourdif (34) and center Dylan Strome (17) and defenseman Cole Hutson (44) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Washington won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Overview

  • TJ Oshie said in a podcast interview that, after a private talk with Alex Ovechkin, he believes the captain will probably sign a one-year deal, framing it as his personal opinion.
  • After the season finale, Ovechkin told reporters he was “pretty sure it’s not my last game,” keeping the door open for a return.
  • Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that strong NHL debuts by 19-year-olds Cole Hutson and Ilya Protas are factors he believes are pulling Ovechkin toward another season.
  • Hutson posted 10 points in 14 games and Protas had four points in four games, production that upgraded the power play and stabilized a second-line look.
  • The Capitals want clarity on Ovechkin’s plans before the June 26–27 NHL Draft, and if he remains unsigned he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.