During Thursday morning’s practice, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis spoke about another impending milestone Alex Ovechkin is about to hit. Sunday in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin will play in his 1,000th career game in the NHL.
Over 10 years ago, Leonsis signed Ovechkin to a 13-year, $124 million contract on January 10, 2008. The contract was controversial and considered risky back then, especially in the shadow of a longterm contract Leonsis gave to Jaromir Jagr years earlier.
Leonsis was asked Thursday if he had any regrets. This was his answer.
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Leonsis wished the contract length was for 15 years instead of 13.
#Caps owner Ted Leonsis on signing Alex Ovechkin to $124 million, 13-year contract: “Do I have any regrets? Yeah, my regret is it wasn’t a 15-year contract.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 29, 2018
Ovechkin on the other hand? Well, if he could turn back time, he would’ve made it 16 years. He loves us all THAT MUCH!
Ovechkin: “If I take time back, I would sign for 16 years.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 29, 2018
Leonsis also mentioned that he received a call from then-NBA Commissioner David Stern soon after the deal was signed. Stern had told Leonsis that he would regret the contract.
Photo: @BenRaby31
As for what’s next for Ovechkin, Leonsis mentioned it’s too early to start thinking that far. The Capitals still have him for three more years and when the next potential contract begins, Ovi will be 36-years-old.
Leonsis says it’s too early to think about Alex Ovechkin’s next contract. Ovechkin has three years left and will be 36 when a potential third contract begins.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 29, 2018
Right now, Leonsis is simply focused on the now. He believes in Ovechkin and, just like the rest of us, he wants a championship.
#Caps owner Ted Leonsis: “What we’re playing for is to win a championship and I’m hoping we do it this year. I’m hoping we do it within his contract time.” Alex Ovechkin is signed through 2020-21 season.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 29, 2018
Headline photo: Nick Wass
