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Alex Ovechkin rumors: Capitals explain trade position

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) stands on the ice during a stoppage in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) stands on the ice during a stoppage in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan addressed Alex Ovechkin trade rumors on Tuesday, but was noncommittal. 

It’s an annual tradition. After the Washington Capitals are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, reporters and writers are off to the races to see who can write the hottest take about why they should trade Alex Ovechkin. However, the takes got stronger after yet another second round exit. With Ovechkin, the Capitals have never made it past the second round.

Caps general manager Brian MacLellan addressed the rumors during his end of the season press conference.

Everyone’s going to focus on MacLellan not completing ruling out trading his captain. However, it would be negligent of the Capitals to not at least consider trading Ovechkin. It would have to be a huge trade with an appropriate return. Even during a down season, Ovechkin still finished in the top 20 in goals scored. He’s one of the most marketable stars in the NHL and remains one of the best players in the league.

However, after the P.K. Subban fiasco, it is worth noting MacLellan didn’t completely rule out an Ovechkin trade. It’s plausible, but not likely. Ovechkin means a lot to the Capitals franchise. He came to them during a time when they needed someone to make them relevant. Ovechkin has done this, turning America’s capitol into a hockey town.

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MacLellan also confirmed the Capitals will keep head coach Barry Trotz, though his contract is up after next season. He said there’s no major changes coming to the organization, so it appears the Caps will be giving this core one last try in 2017-18. At some point, trading Ovechkin would make sense for the Capitals. However, it’s hard to think that time is now if they want to contend for a Stanley Cup.

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