Ovechkin stays as Capitals’ 20-year trust project pays off

Alex Ovechkin is running it back in Washington, signing a one-year deal this summer that keeps one of hockey’s longest player-team partnerships alive for a 22nd season.

Capitals president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan told ESPN the key was not a slogan or a sales pitch. It was trust, built over two decades of promises, pressure and blunt conversations with the biggest star in franchise history.

MacLellan said the Capitals had to earn Ovechkin’s confidence early in the relationship and believes they have it now, even as more NHL stars are pushing for control over where they play.

From draft prize to family guest

Owner Ted Leonsis told ESPN the Capitals were in a grim spot before winning the 2004 draft lottery. Washington had traded Jaromir Jagr to the New York Rangers after what Leonsis described as a painful failed push to turn the club into a contender, and the team lacked buzz, attention and business momentum.

The Capitals were practicing at Piney Orchard, a public rink outside Baltimore that Leonsis said was not up to NHL standard. Then came Ovechkin, the Russian teenager Washington selected No. 1 overall after scouts showed Leonsis grainy video from overseas.

Leonsis invited Ovechkin to his home after the draft for a barbecue. He said Ovechkin swam, played basketball with Leonsis’ children and spent time with the family dogs. Leonsis, the son of Greek immigrants, said he quickly recognized how much family mattered to Ovechkin.

Leonsis said he was honest with Ovechkin, telling him Washington was able to draft him because the team was not very good. He also said he promised better facilities and continued investment.

Capitals general manager Chris Patrick told ESPN that early connection helped define what followed, describing mutual respect between Ovechkin and Leonsis.

The 13-year gamble

Three years later, Washington made the move that kept Ovechkin from nearing the open market. After Sidney Crosby signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract, longtime executive Dick Patrick warned Leonsis that teams such as Montreal, Toronto and New York would chase Ovechkin if he ever became available, according to ESPN.

Instead of a shorter deal, the Capitals offered Ovechkin 13 years and a chance to become the NHL’s first $100 million player. Leonsis said he presented the contract as a commitment from the franchise to its star.

Leonsis recalled the reaction when he announced the length of the deal in 2008, saying the room erupted and Washington suddenly had permission to think of itself as a top sports organization.

Hard losses, harder talks

The relationship still took hits. With Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson leading the core, Washington became a regular contender, won the Presidents’ Trophy three times in seven seasons and still kept running into playoff heartbreak against Pittsburgh.

MacLellan said there was tension before the Capitals finally won the Stanley Cup in 2018, adding that the organization had been close to major changes. Leonsis told ESPN he did not want to be the owner who failed to win a Cup with Ovechkin or later heard Ovechkin ask for a trade.

Tom Wilson said Ovechkin could have chosen to leave during those years but believed he wanted to finish the job in Washington.

MacLellan said the front office meets privately with Ovechkin a few times each season to explain decisions, roster needs and available options. He said they do not always agree, but the communication has stayed in place.

That was tested when Washington traded Dmitry Orlov in 2023 and later moved Carlson while sitting four points outside a playoff spot. MacLellan said the team told Ovechkin it was reloading rather than quitting on the season.

One more chase

At 40, Ovechkin weighed family, health and another Stanley Cup shot, according to ESPN. Chris Patrick said this was the first offseason in which Washington seriously planned for both life with Ovechkin and life without him.

The Capitals then traded for Jordan Kyrou, signed Alex Tuch to an eight-year deal and added Boone Jenner in free agency. Ovechkin called Patrick the day after free agency opened, and Ovechkin said they finished the new contract in about 10 minutes.

Ovechkin said he was excited for the team and fans because, on paper, he sees Washington as one of the league’s best teams. He added that the Capitals still must earn a playoff spot before chasing the Stanley Cup.

Wilson told ESPN he wants younger Capitals such as Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson to feel the same pull to Washington that Ovechkin did. He said he learned that from Ovechkin.

This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.