GM: Caps have cap room, roster spot for Ovechkin
Key takeaways
- Ovechkin, who turns 41 in September, is an unrestricted free agent.
- I think part of it was seeing where we are after today and that we're trying to do as much as we can to improve the team," Patrick told ESPN on Wednesday night.
- The Capitals have been one of the NHL's most active teams in the offseason.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said his team still has enough room in its lineup and under the salary cap to bring back captain Alex Ovechkin, despite adding several high-profile players through trades and free agency recently.
Ovechkin, who turns 41 in September, is an unrestricted free agent. The NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer (929) has yet to make a decision about returning for a 22nd season. Ovechkin has said his primary concerns are his health and whether the Capitals have improved their roster enough to be a contender again after missing the playoffs last season.
"He hasn't made a decision yet. I think part of it was seeing where we are after today and that we're trying to do as much as we can to improve the team," Patrick told ESPN on Wednesday night.