In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we look at the future of Alex Ovechkin and if he re-ups with the Washington Capitals. Next, we look at the Olympics and some injury updates that will impact roster decisions. Finally, we end with the San Jose Sharks and some defensemen that they could target.
Ovechkin Undecided on Retirement
Throughout the season, Ovechkin has spoken about his future plans a few times. There have been some differences in his answers, ranging from him stating he has no plans to retire to him saying “we will see.”
The latest update comes via Tom Gulitti of NHL.com, where Ovechkin stated, “No, I don’t know yet…we have to make a decision. We have to talk with the family, with Ted [Leonsis], [general manager Chris Patrick], and then we’ll see.”
Related: NHL Rumors: Crosby Out, Bobrovsky to Canadiens, Kyrou Change, Coffey Talk
Ovechkin has the all-time goal record, and has grown that number to an impressive 919 goals with another 22 through 59 games this season. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players to ever play. Holding that record is special.
There have been indications in the past that, before he hangs up his skates, he would like to return to Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Crosby, Thompson, Morrissey Lead Olympic Injury Talk
After seeing Kevin Fiala go down, the reality of long-term injuries at the Olympics set in, and there has been some concern about some of the teams playing for medals and what players they will have available to them.
Team Canada will be without Josh Morrissey for the gold medal game against Team USA. He suffered an injury in the first period of Canada’s opening game and has not played since, and was formally ruled out for the final game.
There will also be a lot of eyes on Sidney Crosby, who missed the semifinal matchup against Team Finland. He took several hits against Team Czechia and left the game with what appeared to be a lower-body injury. Crosby has skated for two days in a row, which is a good sign, and head coach Jon Cooper labeled him as a game-time decision.
For Team USA, they were without Tage Thompson to finish their semifinal matchup against Team Slovakia, but all reports indicate it was precautionary, and he is expected to play in the gold medal game.
If he is unable to go, Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor would step in after being scratched for three games, but again, all signs point to Thompson staying in the lineup.
Sharks Looking to Add Defense
Sheng Peng, a notable Sharks source, has reported that they are interested in adding defensemen to their roster, and in a recent post for NBC, he listed six trade targets for them.
Some bigger names like Dougie Hamilton and Justin Faulk led the way. There were reports of Hamilton nixing a trade to the Sharks last offseason; with the way this season has gone, that could change, and he could be willing to waive his clause.
Faulk has been talked about a lot, and the reported ask for him is on par with what the Calgary Flames got for Rasmus Andersson. That may be a bit rich for the Sharks to pay right now, but if they believe that Faulk could be a long-term option, they may look to bring him in.
Some other defensemen listed are certainly valuable, like Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins, and Logan Stanley, Zach Whitecloud, and Braeden Schnieder were mentioned, too.
The Sharks have just two defensemen on their roster under contract for next season. It could be a whole new group, and with the cap space they have available, they could make some major changes. They are aware that they aren’t a true contender now, but they are getting closer, and adding defensemen like the six listed isn’t easy.
