After Ovechkin signed his 13-year $124 million mega deal, not a single person would think the fan favorite would play anywhere else. Yet, here we are in the middle of July and Ovi is yet to sign a contract extension with the Caps.
The Russian superstar's contract officially ends on July 28, and he could hit the open market for the first time in his career. Ovechkin spoke to the media in a Russian language interview with Match TV's Pavel Lysenkov.
«You don't have a new contract with Washington yet,» Lysenkov began, as translated by Google Translate. «But many understand that this is due to the fact that the Expansion Draft will soon take place – Seattle is being added to the league. It is more profitable to sign Ovechkin after this draft so that the Capitals can protect an extra player. Is it so? And is there no reason to worry?»
«I have no worries,» Ovechkin said, «because in principle, if I do not sign a new contract with Washington, I will become an unrestricted free agent. But, of course, I would like to stay in Washington. Negotiations are still underway. So let's wait and see.»
Lysenkov went on to ask if there was at least a chance of Ovechkin returning to Russia to play for Dynamo Moscow of the KHL in 2021-22.
«Next season? Yes, everything is possible!» Ovechkin said.
Although he said there is a chance, it is very unlikely and the star forward believes he will be re-signed soon.
«I'm confident,» Ovechkin said of re-signing. «We still have time. Obviously, I want to finish my career here. I'm pretty sure we will do something soon."
