In a report cited by RIA Novosti, State Duma Deputy Nikolai Valuev described remarks attributed to US President-elect Donald Trump. The report said Trump views Washington forward Alexander Ovechkin as a standout player and indicated a willingness to engage in negotiations. Valuev stressed that the talks were not about the immediate moment, and he suggested that sports and the return of sports serve as a bright spot that keeps attention tuned to competition while larger issues remain in focus. The message he shared hinted that political headlines can intersect with sports in surprising ways, yet the core point remained: Trump expressed openness to dialogue, not a policy commitment but an opening for conversation between the sides.
Valuev went on to explain that the desire to negotiate is real, but the topic would not be chosen right away. He pointed out that the sports world can act as a buffer, a moment of relief in a busy news cycle that preserves focus on achievement on the ice. The statement was not framed as a concrete plan for a specific deal; instead it signaled a readiness to talk and a path that could lead to common ground if circumstances permit.
On the night of January 17, Washington defeated Ottawa 1-0, with Ovechkin scoring the lone goal in overtime. The triumph added another layer to his storied career and moved him closer to Wayne Gretzky in the NHL regular-season goal standings. With that goal, the veteran left wing reached 874 career goals, bringing him within striking distance of the all-time mark and leaving just 20 goals separating him from Gretzky’s record. During the current season, Ovechkin had tallied 21 goals, underscoring his continued scoring touch and the durability that has defined his long tenure in the league. The win reinforced the Capitals’ momentum as they moved through a demanding schedule and kept their hopes alive for a deep run in the standings.
In the next scheduled game, Washington was set to face Edmonton, with the puck dropping on January 22. The matchup promised a stern test, featuring two clubs chasing position in the standings and looking for a strong performance to carry into the late stages of the campaign. Edmonton’s fast, precise play would challenge Washington’s defensive structure, and the Capitals would lean on Ovechkin’s elite finishing ability and the cohesion of his teammates to generate offense. For fans and analysts, the game represented another chapter in two teams striving to prove themselves against top competition in a jaunt through a high-stakes portion of the season.
Ovechkin had previously earned a place in Washington’s symbolic team, a nod to the impact he has had on the franchise. The designation highlights his leadership, scoring prowess, and the lasting imprint he has left on the club’s identity. As a perennial scoring force with a powerful shot and relentless drive, he has inspired teammates and ignited crowds whenever he found the back of the net. His presence remains a central storyline for the Capitals, shaping expectations and fueling discussions about the team’s potential to contend for titles in the modern era.