Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Alex Ovechkin's future in Washington in doubt after John Carlson trade, says insider Frank Seravalli
Photo credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
NHL analyst Frank Seravalli hinted that the future of Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin could be in doubt after the trade of longtime teammate John Carlson this month to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Washington Capitals stunned many of their fans earlier this month when they traded longtime defenseman John Carlson, who helped them win a Stanley Cup in 2018, to the Anaheim Ducks.
It basically signaled the end of an era of the franchise which marked their greatest success, but now, one NHL analyst believes that it could also signal the impending end of an even bigger name.
Captain Alex Ovechkin, who recently scored the 1,000th combined goal of his NHL career, is a pending UFA at the end of the year and at 40 years old, he's not getting any younger.
NHL analyst Frank Seravalli speculated that the Capitals could have been sending Ovechkin a clear signal that a changing of the guard is coming up and that his time with the team could be ending soon.
Frank Seravalli: Re Alex Ovechkin future: I do believe that part of the decision to move away from John Carlson was in part to send that message, that hey, it's time, the guard is changing here, we've got young players who are knocking at the door - Big Show (3/20)
So far this year, Ovechkin has 53 points (26G, 27A) in 71 games for the Capitals, who are in danger of missing the playoffs.
Alex Ovechkin Was Saddened By The Trade Of John Carlson To The Ducks
After the trade of Carlson to the Ducks, Ovechkin admitted that it was probably the most difficult day of his NHL career.
The two had a special bond as longtime teammates and friends, and it's likely that Ovechkin himself recognizes that his chapter with the team he's played for since 2005 could soon be coming to a close.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Pittsburgh Penguins' playoff hopes weaken as defensive breakdowns continue in March
Pittsburgh Penguins' playoff hopes weaken as defensive breakdowns continue in March
| POLL | ||
MARS 23|68 ANSWERS Alex Ovechkin's future in Washington in doubt after John Carlson trade, says insider Frank Seravalli Will Alex Ovechkin be back with the Capitals next year? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 47.1 % |
| No | 36 | 52.9 % |
| List of polls | ||