US EditionNo clarity yet on Ovechkin's future as Capitals prepare for a playoff push
The Capitals aim to strengthen their roster with skilled wingers before the March 6 trade deadline while Ovechkin focuses on this season amid injury challenges.
- On Jan 16, 2026, the Washington Capitals are on the playoff bubble and seek help before the March 6 trade deadline, with GM Chris Patrick saying they are `Definitely actively pursuing an addition`.
- Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals' longtime star, is in the final year of his contract at age 40 and has reached 20 goals again this year, but Patrick said `Haven't really had that conversation` about plans beyond 2025-26.
- Statistically, Ovechkin sits at 917 career goals, underpinning his scoring presence as the Capitals missed the playoffs just once in the last 11 seasons.
- Management plans aim to address both short- and long-term needs, with Chris Patrick saying, `I hope that whatever we do kind of fits both` and noting key players are signed long term.
- Trade-Market signals show on Friday the New York Rangers posted a letter from GM Chris Drury signaling willingness to sell, as New York is last in the Eastern Conference.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Jackson Progress-Argus
Capitals GM: Alex Ovechkin focused on playoff push, not future
Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick does not plan to have an update of any substance on his franchise player's future until season's end.
Capitals GM: Alex Ovechkin focused on playoff push, not future - Regional Media News
Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick does not plan to have an update of any substance on his franchise player's future until season's end. Patrick called Alex Ovechkin "very focused on ... the short term" in an interview with reporters Friday, as the Capitals are squarely on the bubble in the playoff chase. It appears the same goes for the front office. "He seems very focused on kind of the short term here, and this team trying to g…
Caps GM says Ovechkin future talk will 'have to wait' amid playoff push
Jan 16, 2026, 05:31 PM ET ARLINGTON, Va. — The season is more than half over, and amid a sluggish stretch, the Washington Capitals are still hoping to make a successful push for the postseason. The bigger question — will Alex Ovechkin be back next season? — still looms in the background. “He seems very focused on kind of the short term here, and this team trying to get into the playoffs and having another shot at winning the Stanley Cup,” genera…
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