The head coach of SKA Saint Petersburg, Roman Rotenberg, indicated there would be no hesitation to discuss a contract with the famed NHL forward and Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin. His remarks were cited by kp.ru as a guide to the conversation surrounding Ovechkin’s future.
Rotenberg noted that Ovechkin still has two years left on his current deal. He asked readers to consider how a deal with Washington would unfold and whether any team would pass on a player of Ovechkin’s stature. The implication was clear: turning away from a player who has defined an era would be unlikely for any organization.
In his most recent NHL season, Ovechkin appeared in 79 regular season games, tallying 31 goals and 34 assists, and he played in four playoff games. The Russian star remains on a historic chase, trailing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record by a narrowing margin. Ovechkin has 853 career goals, positioning him as one of the league’s all-time greats and a constant source of discussion among North American hockey fans.
During the opening round of the 2023/24 NHL playoffs, the Capitals faced the New York Rangers, a team that included notable Russian players such as goaltender Igor Shesterkin and forward Artemiy Panarin. Washington did not win a game in the series, losing four straight. Ovechkin did not score in those playoff games, a fact that drew significant attention from watchers of the game.
Recent commentary has touched on broader questions about the league, including discussions about league policies and cultural aspects surrounding the sport. These conversations often surface in analysis of player longevity, club strategy, and the evolving landscape of professional hockey in North America. Source: kp.ru