New Headline: Alex Kucherov's Shift Surpasses Current Leader in Russia's Ice Hockey Scene

Ludwig-Imagn Images Alex Ovechkin became the fresh face of the franchise for the Washington Capitals more than two decades ago when they selected the big, skilled Russian winger with the first pick in the 2004 NHL draft. He’s now 40 and nearing the end of his 21st season with them. He hoisted the Stanley Cup as playoff MVP in 2018 and last year passed Wayne Gretzky as the league’s career goal-scoring leader.

Ovechkin has yet to say whether this is it or if he wants to play again in 2026-27, so the front office is planning for either contingency. While doing so, Washington is ushering in a youth movement on the fly, with the trade of 36-year-old organizational cornerstone John Carlson the latest step in turning the page on a generation of players responsible for not only a championship but 16 playoff appearances in 18 seasons. Gone are longtime No.

1 center Nicklas Backstrom , do-it-all winger T. J. Oshie , goaltender Braden Holtby and now Carlson, who has been the team’s top defenseman almost from the time he made his debut.

“They’re these guys (who go from) sometimes they don’t even have a shaving kit to getting married and having families and having the careers that they’re having,” assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said in a phone interview. “Things don’t last forever. ” Capitals are building around a new core The Capitals have done something rare in the NHL since the salary cap era began in 2005: replenish talent while consistently contending.