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Caps want Ovechkin and Backstrom to finish their careers in Washington

By J.J. Regan

Caps want Ovechkin, Backstrom to finish careers in D.C. originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are two of the best players in Capitals franchise history and the franchise wants to make sure neither player finishes their career anywhere else.

The 2021 offseason is going to be one of change for the Caps. The salary cap will remain flat which is bad news for a team as tight against the cap as Washington is. The Seattle expansion draft also looms. Complicating these issues further is the fact that Ovechkin has played out the final year of his contract and needs a new deal.

Amid talk of whether Washington should rebuild after three straight first-round series losses, general manager Brian MacLellan indicated the organization had priorities focused on keeping the faces of the franchise in Washington.

“I think the priority for us is to have [Ovechkin and Backstrom] finish their careers here and we’re going to work around that situation,” MacLellan said at the team’s final media availability of the season. “I think it’s important for this organization to have Ovi and Backy finish their careers here.”

Backstrom signed a five-year, $46 million deal in January 2020 that will run through the 2024-24 season when he is 37. If Ovechkin, who will turn 36 in September, signs a deal at $10 million per season or above, the Caps will have over $19 million committed to two players in their mid-30s.

But keeping Ovechkin and Backstrom is the priority, according to MacLellan who made it clear he does not want to see his star players play anywhere else at any age.

“I never like watching guys go to another team in another sport,” MacLellan said. “I don’t like watching [Tom Brady] in Tampa. I want him to finish up in New England. I don’t like [Wayne Gretzky] in New York. I would’ve rather had him finish in Edmonton. I just think it’s an important thing for the franchise.”

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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