- John Carlson said there was “zero percent” chance Alex Ovechkin would retire
- Ovechkin re-signed with Washington for a 22nd season on a one-year deal
- Read below for Carlson’s full comments and the Lightning presser video
John Carlson never bought the idea of Alex Ovechkin walking away.
At his introductory press conference with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carlson got asked whether Ovechkin’s choice to return for a 22nd NHL season caught him off guard. His answer was two words.
“Zero percent,” Carlson said. “I knew that he was coming back for a long time. I just felt it. He didn’t explicitly say it to me, but you can just tell. It just was always my gut feeling that he wasn’t ready to give it up. And good for him. He’s been an amazing player for far too long in this league.”
Watch Carlson’s full media availability with the Lightning:
Ovechkin stayed noncommittal about his future all through the 2025-26 season. He ended the guessing by signing a one-year extension worth $4.25 million, with a shot at another $4.75 million in bonuses if he suits up for 10 or more games.
Washington made the return official earlier this month:
The Capitals loaded up around him, too. Washington brought in Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner, and Vincent Desharnais, handing Ovechkin the kind of roster he clearly wanted before committing to another run.
Carlson watched it unfold from the outside for the first time in his career. His run in Washington ended on March 6, when GM Chris Patrick dealt him to Anaheim for two high draft picks ahead of the trade deadline. He signed with the Lightning on the opening day of free agency.
He left D.C. as the franchise’s all-time leader among defensemen in points, goals, power-play points, and games played. Carlson also set up 162 of Ovechkin’s goals, second only to Nicklas Backstrom.
One part of the move doesn’t sit as well. A reporter asked Carlson if he looked forward to facing Ovechkin next season.
“I wouldn’t say looking forward, no,” Carlson said, leaving it there.
Carlson gets a fresh start in Tampa. Ovechkin gets at least one more season in the only sweater he’s ever worn.
