Alex Ovechkin has already returned to Russia as planned following the conclusion of his season with the Washington Capitals. The veteran forward, who is a pending UFA, indicated on locker clean-out day that he is confident he has not played his final NHL game.
Ovechkin expressed his desire to return, stating, “I’m not going to tell everything to you what I’m thinking, what the options are going to be. But, obviously, if I want to come back, it have to be a decision on, first of all, we’re going to make the playoffs and we have to fight for a Cup. That’s probably the biggest thing. Otherwise, if you take different scenarios, like family-wise, health-wise, but team-wise, this is the most important thing for me.” His decision to return hinges significantly on the Capitals’ potential to contend for a Stanley Cup.
Anaheim Ducks: Key Offseason Considerations
The Anaheim Ducks are entering the offseason with a substantial projected salary cap space of approximately $40.5 million. This financial flexibility, coupled with several draft picks in 2026, positions them to be active in the market.
However, a significant portion of their cap space will be allocated to re-signing their restricted free agents (RFAs), including forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, and defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. The team also faces decisions regarding veteran pending UFA defensemen John Carlson, Radko Gudas, and Jacob Trouba.
Ducks Could Make a Significant Offseason Trade
The Anaheim Ducks are in a position where they cannot be ruled out of making a major offseason trade to accelerate their development and take the next step. Securing extensions for Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson is a priority, and the team aims to avoid protracted negotiations extending into training camp, unlike past situations with players like Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras, and Jamie Drysdale.
It appears unlikely that pending UFA defenseman Radko Gudas will be re-signed. The Ducks may target a star player through a significant trade this offseason. Potential targets on the trade market could include prominent players such as Auston Matthews, Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and potentially Brady Tkachuk.
Alex Ovechkin is Back in Russia, and the Anaheim Ducks Could Make a Big Splash
Alex Ovechkin has already returned to his native Russia. The initial plan for the pending unrestricted free agent was to complete his end-of-year meetings with the Washington Capitals in mid-May before heading back home.
On the team’s locker clean-out day, the 40-year-old forward expressed his strong belief that he has not played his final NHL game. Ovechkin stated, “I’m not going to tell everything to you what I’m thinking, what the options are going to be. But, obviously, if I want to come back, it have to be a decision on, first of all, we’re going to make the playoffs and we have to fight for a Cup. That’s probably the biggest thing. Otherwise, if you take different scenarios, like family-wise, health-wise, but team-wise, this is the most important thing for me.” His return to the NHL appears contingent on the Capitals’ competitiveness and their ability to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Key Offseason Priorities for the Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are facing a crucial offseason, with several key factors guiding their strategy. They boast a projected salary cap space of approximately $40.5 million, offering substantial financial flexibility. Additionally, they possess multiple draft picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, including selections in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th (from Philadelphia), 5th, 6th, and 7th rounds.
However, a significant portion of their cap space will be consumed by their restricted free agents (RFAs). This group includes promising forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, as well as defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. The Ducks will also need to make decisions regarding their trio of veteran pending unrestricted free agent defensemen: John Carlson, Radko Gudas, and Jacob Trouba.
Anaheim Ducks: A Big Offseason Trade Should Not Be Discounted
The Anaheim Ducks should not be overlooked when it comes to making a significant splash in the offseason, potentially through a major trade. A primary objective for the team is to secure contract extensions for Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson as quickly as possible. They aim to avoid the protracted negotiations that occurred with Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras, and Jamie Drysdale, which extended into training camp.
It seems unlikely that pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Radko Gudas will be brought back by the team. As the Ducks look to elevate their team, a substantial offseason trade for a star player should be considered a strong possibility. Players who might be available on the trade market this offseason could include prominent names such as Auston Matthews, Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and perhaps even Brady Tkachuk.
