- Chris Patrick says he already knows what Ovechkin’s next contract would look like if he returns
- Washington has around $14.3 million in cap space heading into free agency
- Read below for what Patrick said and where Ovechkin’s decision stands
The Capitals still don’t know if Alex Ovechkin is coming back. They already know what it would cost them.
General manager Chris Patrick met with reporters Saturday after the draft and said he has a clear read on what an Ovechkin deal would look like.
Patrick was asked where things stand with his captain.
“From my conversations with Alex before he left, I think I had an understanding of if he does come back, what’s he looking at contract-wise,” Patrick said.
Here’s Patrick on Ovechkin’s future:
That number shaped how Patrick attacked the offseason. He had already swung deals for Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch before the draft.
“That gave me some clarity as far as what we do spending-wise,” Patrick said.
Washington sits at about $14.3 million in cap space. Patrick believes he can add in free agency and still fit Ovechkin if the captain returns.
Ovechkin turns 41 in September and is coming off a five-year deal worth $9.5 million a season. He led the Caps with 32 goals last year and played all 82 games, even as his ice time dropped to a career-low 17:27 a night.
Money was never going to drive the call anyway. Ovechkin made that clear in April, when he said the roster matters more than the paycheck.
“Obviously, if I want to come back, it has to be a decision. First of all, we’re going to make playoffs, and we have to fight for a Cup,” Ovechkin said. “That’s probably the biggest thing.”
Pierre LeBrun has reported the Capitals already have a good read on which way Ovechkin is leaning. Patrick has the number ready. He just needs his captain to say the word.
