Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan is hopeful Alex Ovechkin’s contract extension will be finalized before free agency starts Wednesday, according to Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic.
Alex Ovechkin is a pending unrestricted free agency. His 13-year, $124 million contract expired at the end of this past season.
At the age of 35, Ovechkin had a done year during the 56-game 2021 season. He scored 24 goals in 45 games. It was the first time he didn’t tally 30-plus goals in his 16-year career. His 1.53 goals per game average was his lowest since 2016-17.
His struggles were mounted by a leg injury limited him during the regular season. He also dealt with a back injury in the playoffs in which the Capitals were eliminated for the third straight year in the first round. Ovechkin had two goals and two assists in the five playoff games against the Boston Bruins.
Despite the down year, Ovechkin reportedly is seeking a raise from the $9.5 million annual average salary he earned during his latest deal. Negotiations were tabled during the season. But, both sides have remained confident a deal will get done.
