Alex Ovechkin is officially back in the United States after a long summer in Russia.
Ovechkin, who signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract extension over the summer that includes bonuses, visited MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the team’s practice facility, on Friday, excitedly greeting teammates and staff.
The Capitals posted the video on social media.
Alex Ovechkin returns to MedStar Capitals Iceplex
“How’s it going?” Ovechkin says to Cole Hutson as he enters the facility’s turnstile doors.
“Have a good summer?” Hutson asks.
“I did,” Ovechkin replies.
Longtime teammate Tom Wilson had perhaps the best reaction, acting as if he was reunited with a long-lost best friend.
“Oh, wow. Oooooo!” Wilson exclaims as they hug. “What’s up, bro?”
Ovechkin also says hi to Matt Roy, Martin Fehervary, assistant general manager Ross Mahoney, and player development coach Brooks Orpik. He also said made pleasantries with current prospects Patrick Thomas and David Gucciardi, who appeared very bashful in the weight room.
Ovechkin also popped in to greet new top six winger, Jordan Kyrou, for the first time.
“Great to meet you man,” Kyrou said.
“Welcome to the team, bro,” Ovechkin replied.
Ovechkin, who turns 41 next week, will be entering his 22nd season in the NHL. The Russian sniper, who has 929 regular-season goals in his career, 11 tallies away from capturing the NHL record for the most combined goals in NHL history; Wayne Gretzky is currently the leader with 1,016. Capitals training camp begins on September 17.
“Movie star,” concluded Orpik.
