The Capitals took a major step toward securing their future on Thursday, signing star forward Alex Ovechkin to a 13-year, $124 million contract extension.
It is the largest contract ever awarded by a Washington, D.C., pro sports franchise. But Ovechkin, 22, has been everything the organization hoped since it selected him with the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He has scored 130 goals in just 206 games — most in the league over the last two-and-a-half years. Ovechkin has quickly become a popular league-wide attraction thanks to his physical play and gregarious personality.
“My dream was always to play in the NHL and Washington is my second home,” said Ovechkin, a Moscow native in the final season of his original three-year entry-level contract. “I want to win. I want to bring a Stanley Cup to Washington.”
Ovechkin, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound left wing, would have been a restricted free agent this summer, allowing any NHL team to sign him to an offer sheet. And while the Caps could have matched any offer they weren’t willing to let things get that far, signing Ovechkin to the richest deal in league history. Ovechkin leads the Caps again this season with 32 goals, tied for second in the NHL.
“We knew when we drafted Alex that we were getting a phenomenal player,” said Caps general manager George McPhee. “This contract further demonstrates his dedication to our team and the organization’s commitment to building a consistent winner.”
