Alex Ovechkin noted during his Breakdown Day interview that there are many factors he’s considering before potentially returning for another year: his health, how his family feels, and the Capitals’ plans to become a contender again.
While those issues are to be determined in the coming weeks and months, there are two players whose electric debuts with Washington have reportedly excited Ovechkin about a potential return: Ilya Protas and Cole Hutson.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman Per Friedman’s latest 32 Thoughts column:
If Alexander Ovechkin made his decision right after the deadline, when Washington traded John Carlson and Nic Dowd, the emotions probably took him to retirement. But, two of the reasons I think he’s considering returning are Cole Hutson (10 points in 14 games) and Ilya Protas (four points in four games). These 19-year-olds made an impact and look like they can be key contributors. I still think it comes down to whether or not he feels like he can handle an 84-game season and the summer training necessary for it, but he also wants to be on a team that can accomplish something. Hutson and the younger Protas showed Ovechkin (and others) they belong.
Hutson, who signed with the Capitals in March after his sophomore season at Boston University ended, dazzled in his 14 games with the team, reinvigorating the Caps’ struggling power play and posting 10 points (3g, 7a) in 14 games. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old younger Protas immediately jumped onto the Capitals’ second line after a call-up from Hershey, centering his older brother Aliaksei and Tom Wilson. The heavy line caused havoc at five-on-five together, scoring twice in four games.
While musing about Ovechkin, Friedman also shared some reporting about Ross Mahoney, who has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ open general manager position. Friedman debunked the rumor, saying that there is “no evidence he’s involved” in the process — at least as of now.
