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Evgeny Kuznetsov expects to still be with Caps for the 2021-22 season

By J.J. Regan

Kuznetsov expects to still be with Caps for the 2021-22 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

There is plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Evgeny Kuznetsov in Washington. He, however, is not buying it.

In an end-of-season press conference, Kuznetsov was asked if he believed he would be with the Capitals next season.

“Of course. I like this team,” Kuznetsov said. “I like to be here and this organization, the team, did a lot of good things for me and I believe I’ve done some good things also.”

Drafted by Washington in 2010, Kuznetsov just wrapped up his eighth NHL season. The 2021 season was a tough one as he registered only nine goals and 20 assists in 41 games. He also tested positive for COVID-19 twice, broke the NHL’s health and safety protocols and was benched for a game for being late to a team function.

The benching came in May and it was that incident that seemed to spark the Kuznetsov rumors. Pierre LeBrun first reported the possibility of Kuznetsov being moved in the offseason saying, “Keep an eye on this one as far as I believe Washington perhaps being willing to listen to trade offers for Kuznetsov this offseason.”

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan also did nothing to quell those rumors with his end-of-year media availability on Wednesday.

“I think we’re always open to trading people if it makes sense for what’s going on,” MacLellan said of Kuznetsov. “If it’s going to make our team better, I think we’re open to it.”

Kuznetsov, however, is unconcerned. He has heard the rumors — which have become impossible to ignore — but he is not worried about outside speculation.

“All I’m worried about what people inside the team and what coaches, what they think actually and what they want me to do,” Kuznetsov said. “If I am not success then those rumors will be for every player. Like that is the business right? and I understand that whatever is going to happen, my job is just to be in shape, practice and perform on the ice.

“I’m a nice person, I am never going to complain about anything because I understand that if I didn’t [have] success on the ice that I know I have to be better and know that is how life will be.”

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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