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Capitals signing of Alex Ovechkin means he’s there for life

By Staff

NHL DFS: WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with the Stanley Cup prior to watching the 2018 Stanley Cup Championship banner rise to the rafters before playing against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on October 3, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
NHL DFS: WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with the Stanley Cup prior to watching the 2018 Stanley Cup Championship banner rise to the rafters before playing against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on October 3, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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On Tuesday, the Washington Capitals signed winger Alex Ovechkin to a five-year deal, ensuring he’ll finish his career with the club.

Few players get the storybook career where they play for one franchise throughout it all. Alex Ovechkin appears to have looked that dream into reality.

One day before the start off NHL free agency, the Washington Capitals signed the greatest player in franchise history to a five-year deal worth $9.5 million annually. The contract will run through the 2025-26 season, when Ovechkin will be 40 years old.

Alex Ovechkin is back with the Capitals on a five-year contract

Through his first 16 years, Ovechkin has proven one of the most prolific goal-scorers in NHL history. The Russian superstar has potted 730 goals, leading the league nine times. He has been a 12-time All-Star, won nine Maurice Richard trophies, three Pearsons, the 2007-08 Art Ross (leading scorer) and three Harts (MVP).

Of course, Ovechkin also won the Stanley Cup — the first in Capitals’ history — in 2017-18.

All things considered, Ovechkin has an argument as one of the best players in league history, right alongside names such as Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby and many others.  His accomplishments are many, with the future first-ballot Hall of Famer ranking sixth all-time in goals.

There’s a good chance Ovechkin moves into the top three next season, needing two to pass Marcel Dionne, 12 to get by Brett Hull and 37 to surpass the great Jaromir Jagr.

Well done by the Capitals, keeping Ovechkin in town for the foreseeable future.

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