Ovechkin wants to end career in Moscow
Alexander Ovechkin will go down as one of the greatest goal scorers in National Hockey League history and the Russian sniper is far from finished. At 35-years-old he has proven he is still an elite player and one of the best in the league, despite playing in the NHL since the 2005-06 season.
Ovechkin has spent his entire NHL career in Washington with the Capitals, leading them to their first ever Stanley Cup triumph in 2018. However, in a recent interview with Russian Television International the winger said he does not intend to end his career in Washington. Rather, he wants to finish playing professional hockey where he started – with Dynamo Moscow.
At the tender age of 16, Ovechkin began his career in the Russian Super League with Dynamo Moscow who now play in the Kontinental Hockey League. It’s Ovechkin’s desire to return one day.
“There are certain goals that I want to achieve after my career,” Ovechkin told Russian Television International, via Sportsnet. “But my career is not over yet. I’m still in my prime. I think I will definitely play for a few more years, God grant that my health is good. I would finish in Russia at Dynamo Moscow.”
Ovechkin impressed during the shortened 2019-2020 season, putting up 48 goals and 67 points in just 68 games. Washington also remains a contender in the Eastern Conference as Ovechkin looks to capture his second Stanley Cup ring which is still his current goal.
“I really want to come back and end my career at Dynamo Moscow. After a certain number of years that I will spend, God willing, in Washington,” he said.
It remains to be seen just how much longer Ovechkin intends to keep playing professionally, but according to his interview it is not anytime soon.
“It is clear, in two, three, four years, maybe five, I will end my career in Washington,” he said. “I want to end on a beautiful note – to play my last match for Dynamo Moscow.”
At this point in his career, Ovechkin certainly doesn’t need the money either as he is nearing the end of a 13-year $124 million deal that he had signed with the Capitals back in January 2008. He may still be looking for one final contract from Washington though before he decides to head home. It is unimaginable to see him playing anywhere else in the NHL.
“It’s not a question of money. It’s a matter of principle: I played for only two teams – Dynamo and Washington,” he said.
Along with winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 with Washington, Ovechkin has also captured nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard awards for most goals in a season, as well as, three Hart Memorial Trophies as the league’s Most Valuable Player. He was never able to win a Olympic gold medal with Russia, but he does have a World Junior Championship gold medal and three World Championship gold medals as well with the national team.
Ovechkin has had one of the most prolific careers in NHL history and it would be fascinating to see what he would be able to do for his hometown team when the time is right.
