It was announced Tuesday that Alex Ovechkin signed a 5-year, $47.5million deal to return to Washington Capitals."I'M BACK DC !!!!!"" He said it on Twitter. A source close to Ovechkin stated that he was trying to pay tribute to Michael Jordan's "I'm Back" tweet on social media.Ovechkin, 35, has been playing his entire career with Capitals since 2004 when he was drafted as the Capitals' first overall pick. Ovechkin led the NHL in goals three years straight and had 24 goals in 45 games in his last season. This tied him for 13th place in the league.Last season, he missed 11 NHL games, a record for him. He was in NHL COVID-19 protocol for four of them and seven with a groin Injury.Ovechkin represented hisself in negotiations, as he did in 2008 for his last contract, a $124 million 13-year deal.Ted Leonsis, CEO of the NHL, stated that Alex is a world-class player who will be remembered for his leadership of the team in reaching its ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. He also said that he was an inspiration to the next generation of youth players and fans. Alex's impact on hockey in D.C. goes far beyond Capital One Arena. His performances on the ice have undoubtedly attracted countless new fans to the game and encouraged more youth players.Alex's impact off the ice is just as remarkable. He is not only committed to the franchise but also to the community. We look forward to seeing Alex in the Capitals uniform over the years."Sources told ESPN that Ovechkin, currently in Russia, had not considered joining any other NHL team. Ovechkin invested in the NWSL's Washington Spirit in May."It was important to me that I support the D.C. community. Ovechkin stated to ESPN that he supports everyone in the town. My wife and I love to watch soccer, football and baseball together. All of us win. It's important that I take advantage of this opportunity if I can. It shows that we care.Ovechkin, with 730 career goals, now wants to beat Wayne Gretzky's 894 all-time record. Ovechkin is currently at sixth place -- next to Marcel Dionne (731), then Brett Hull (741), and Jaromir Jagr (766). Gordie Howe is at 801.In September, Ovechkin will turn 36. Ovechkin, a winger for the Capitals, won the 2018 Stanley Cup. The NHL's Rocket Richard Trophy is awarded annually to the league's best goal scorer. He was awarded the trophy a record nine times.General manager Brian MacLellan stated that Alex is "the face of our franchise" and was committed to the city and the organization. "Alex is the embodiment of what our franchise stands for, and we are thrilled that he will continue his career as a Caps player for the next five-years."The salary cap relief for the Capitals was not much when Vitek Vanecek, a 25-year-old goaltender, was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. Washington traded Brenden Dillon, a defenseman, to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The Capitals are still waiting to hear if Zdeno Chara, 44, is interested in playing next season for the Capitals.
