Could the greatest goal scorer in NHL history have played his last game in Toronto? Well, as Alex Ovechkin told John Walton, the Washington Capitals Radio Play-by-Play Voice, he is waiting until the summer to make a decision after he talks with his family.
That was the major clip making the rounds prior to the Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs game on Wednesday night, as speculation continues to grow about what the future will hold for Alex Ovechkin. Could he come back for another season? Will he retire, or will he return to Russia to play in the KHL?
NHL Rumors: Alex Ovechkin Only Knows His Future in the NHL
As NHLRumors.com has been reporting the decision about Ovechkin’s future remains in his hands, and he isn’t tipping his hand one way or another. Before the game on Wednesday, Ovechkin met with reporters and expanded on his comments with Walton.
John Walton: “Alex, there has been a lot of speculation about whether or not this will be your final season. Have you made that decision?”
Ovechkin: “Not yet. We’re going to make a decision in the summer. I have to talk to my family with Ted (Leonsis), with KP, Mike, and we have to make a decision in the summer.”
As he told those reporters in Toronto, “It’s one thing if I was 35 or 25, but when you are 40, you have to think about the future.”
The issue for the Washington Capitals is that a big hole in their lineup could be gone. Ovechkin has recorded 61 points (31 goals and 30 assists) this season with the Capitals. Again, this will be tough to replace. But how he feels health-wise and what the organization does in the offseason will also be factors in this decision.
NHL Rumors: Future of Alex Ovechkin in Washington is in Ovi’s Hands
However, as he told Dave McCarthy of NHL.com and SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Ovechkin still loves the game.
“Yeah, I’m still enjoy it. I’m still having fun and happy to be with the boys in the locker room,” Ovechkin said.
As he has stated repeatedly, he isn’t sure whether this is the end. Ovechkin will continue to figure it out. Whether he has a farewell or retirement tour remains to be seen. Each person is different in how they want to go out.
NHL Rumors: Hischier, Ovechkin, Cassidy, Smith, and Wiebusch
Ovechkin joked that he will have a decision by the first day of summer. Whenever that is, remains to be seen. Alex Ovechkin is the Bill Masterton Nominee from the Washington Chapter of the PHWA.
There are many selfish people who would like to see Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby ride off into the sunset together.
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