Alex Ovechkin marks 22nd Capitals camp, opened with new teammates and confirms return on a one-year deal

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin began his 22nd NHL training camp in Arlington, Virginia, with attention on new teammates as Washington looks to build toward another Stanley Cup run. Thursday also marked Ovechkin’s 41st birthday, with his teammates joining him at the team’s pre-practice meeting to sing “Happy Birthday.” Ovechkin then took the ice for the first practice of camp, skating at left wing on a line with Dylan Strome at center and Ryan Leonard on the right side.

Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, discussed the harder adjustment each year after time away and said the first week of training is difficult before his body “adjusts.” He also addressed attention surrounding his appearance in a political ad for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, which drew criticism after it was viewed as supportive of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The commercial features Ovechkin standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, alongside Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Viacheslav Fetisov. Ovechkin said, “The thing about the video, I'm Russian,” and added that he hopes for “peace and love for everybody.”

Capitals leadership responded to the controversy without expecting it to affect the locker room. Coach Spencer Carbery said he hasn’t seen the ad and doesn’t anticipate it impacting the team, while general manager Chris Patrick called it a difficult situation and noted he understands why people are upset.

On the ice and off it, Ovechkin’s return is tied to the contract he signed July 2: a one-year agreement that includes $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus tied to 10 games, and a $3.25 million signing bonus. The NHL.com report says the Capitals’ roster upgrades include additions to scoring depth and defensive depth through signings and trades, including Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, plus forward Boone Jenner and defenseman Vincent Desharnais.

Ovechkin indicated he is not looking beyond training camp and the Capitals’ season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 2. Coach Carbery also reiterated a plan to spread ice time among all Capitals forwards, describing Ovechkin’s role as a “game-by-game thing.”

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk