'It's hard to keep up with young guys': Alex Ovechkin comments on retirement rumours
Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, the top goal scorer in NHL history who is also a pending UFA at the end of the year, spoke plainly about the chances of his career starting to wind down at 40 years old.
Father Time is undefeated, and it comes for everyone, including professional athletes who are first ballot Hall of Famers.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who is not only 40 years old but also a pending UFA at the end of the year, sparked speculation that this could potentially be his last year in the NHL with recent talks about finding it harder and harder to keep up with the youth of today's League.
He was interviewed by former teammate TJ Oshie, who won the Stanley Cup as a Capitals forward in 2018, and said that how much longer he plays depends on how his body feels.
How my body gonna feel. Because right now, hockey is so hard, it's so fast. I'm 40, and it's hard to keep up with young guys. You know? But most important thing is health-wise. I don't wanna be like, I don't wanna play hockey, and then after one or two years, my knee or my elbow or my back is gonna be hurting. So I'm not gonna feel comfortable for the rest of my life. So I have to be smart about it.
I still love the game. I still enjoy come here in the locker room, like hang out with the boys. - Alex Ovechkin
I still love the game. I still enjoy come here in the locker room, like hang out with the boys. - Alex Ovechkin
So far this year with the Capitals, who aren't likely to make the playoffs, Ovechkin has 50 points (24G, 26A) in 64 games.
Alex Ovechkin Was Deeply Disappointed With John Carlson's Trade
At the trade deadline last week, the Capitals shocked their fans by trading longtime defenseman and Ovechkin teammate John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks.
Ovechkin responded by saying it was probably the saddest day of his NHL career.
Now that Carlson is no longer with the Capitals and Ovechkin is 40, there are plenty of Capitals fans wondering if the remaining schedule is their last chance to see him play in person.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 9|291 ANSWERS 'It's hard to keep up with young guys': Alex Ovechkin comments on retirement rumours Is this Alex Ovechkin's last year in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 213 | 73.2 % |
| No | 78 | 26.8 % |
| List of polls | ||