Ovechkin Says Capitals' Upgrades Fueled His 22nd Season
On his 41st birthday, Alex Ovechkin said Washington's veteran additions helped convince him to return for another Stanley Cup chase.
Alex Ovechkin opened his 22nd NHL training camp on his 41st birthday Thursday and said Washington's offseason additions were central to his decision to return for another Stanley Cup chase.
His teammates sang "Happy Birthday" during their pre-practice meeting in Arlington, Virginia, before Ovechkin skated at left wing with Dylan Strome at center and Ryan Leonard on the right at the Capitals' first practice.
Ovechkin owns the NHL record with 929 goals across 21 seasons, all with Washington. He signed a one-year contract July 2 that includes $1 million in salary, a $3.25 million signing bonus and a $4.75 million bonus for playing 10 games.
He said the Capitals' roster moves gave him motivation because "it gives us chance to fight for a Cup." Washington added three-time 30-goal scorers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, signed Boone Jenner for four years and $23 million, and added defenseman Vincent Desharnais on a four-year, $16.8 million deal. Tuch signed an eight-year, $84 million contract before Buffalo traded him to Washington.
Ovechkin would not say whether this will be his final season. He led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games last season while averaging a career-low 17:27. Coach Spencer Carbery said a deeper forward group could spread minutes more evenly and described Ovechkin's role as a game-by-game decision.
Ovechkin also changed his offseason work with trainer Pavel Burlachenko to emphasize conditioning. He appeared leaner at camp and completed the conditioning skate that ended practice. Teammate Tom Wilson praised the 41-year-old for continuing to clear milestones while handling the same demanding work as the rest of the group.
Washington opens the regular season at Carolina on Oct. 2.
