Washington Capitals legend Alexander Ovechkin's free agency speculation raises small doubt about retirement and NHL future

Alexander Ovechkin has been associated with the Washington Capitals for almost twenty years. The superstar winger has earned the legacy of record-breaking goal numbers, various personal trophies, and a Stanley Cup since joining the NHL in 2005. Due to such history, the majority of NHL observers have always believed that Ovechkin would retire or end his career in Washington.

Nonetheless, the recent changes in the roster have moved the discussion a bit. The fact that the Capitals have decided to trade long-standing defenseman John Carlson caused a feeling in the rest of the organization. Ovechkin, himself, confessed that it was one of the saddest moments in his career, which made some analysts temporarily wonder whether the franchise icon could be thinking of an alternative route in the face of being a continuing player.

Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin's free agency uncertainty after John Carlson's NHL trade

The speculation was mostly triggered by the remarks of Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff, who did an evaluation of potential free agents in the next NHL offseason. Larkin proposed that, if Alexander Ovechkin does not retire, there is technically even a slim possibility that he will consider the free agent market as opposed to directly re-signing with the Washington Capitals.

Nonetheless, the possibility is very low. Ovechkin, throughout his career, has been loyal to Washington and the franchise that made him first overall. His fanbase, leadership, and the ownership of the Capitals all consider him the main leader of the team in its history.

The business with John Carlson merely added a new emotional dimension to the situation. Carlson was one of the longest-serving teammates of Ovechkin and one of the main components of the Capitals' championship team. The loss of that bond inevitably led to inquiries about how the long-time leader of the team perceives the rest of his career.

Nonetheless, the vast majority of people surrounding the NHL believe that Ovechkin will continue his career at Washington. Providing he chooses to continue playing, a one-year deal with the Capitals remains the most feasible scenario since the franchise icon will soon find himself in the last phase of his legendary NHL career.



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