While the National Hockey League (NHL) cannot decide on a start date for next season and the number of matches in the regular season, its stars have to wait for news and train on their own.
Among those who are in limbo was Alexander Ovechkin.
The Washington forward has been in Russia for several weeks.
For Ovechkin, the NHL offseason is a particularly exciting time.
His contract with the Capitals will end next year, and a new deal with the forward has yet to be signed.
However, he himself claims that he hopes to continue his career at the club with which he won the Stanley Cup, and is ready to spend several more seasons there.
“I have certain goals that I want to achieve by the end of my career.
But while it is not yet completed, you can say I am in my prime.
I think that I will definitely play for a few more years, "Ovechkin said in an interview with Tina Kandelaki for RTVi.
At the same time, the hockey player admits that he will end his career in another club - in Moscow "Dynamo", a graduate of which he is and for which he played before starting his career in the NHL.
These days, Ovechkin was seen at the blue-and-white matches as a spectator, and in the near future, fans may have a chance to see him in their arena as a player.
“God grant that my health is good.
I would graduate here in Russia at Dynamo Moscow ... I will be back after a certain number of years at the Capitals ... It's not a question of money.
It's just a matter of principle, because I played for only two teams - Dynamo and Washington.
It's clear that I will end my career in Washington.
I don't know, two or four, maybe five years, and I want to finish on a nice note, play my last match for Dynamo Moscow, ”Ovechkin promised.
One of the best hockey players in the world could have played for Dynamo right now, as there will definitely not be matches in the NHL for the next month and a half.
Several Russian players have already done this by going on loan to the KHL teams.
However, Ovechkin does not consider this option, since he has contractual obligations to the Capitals.
“Young people do the right thing when they come to the KHL on loan with NHL contracts.
Playing practice is needed, especially if they want to break into the NHL base.
After all, they cannot come to the camp and in three weeks, disassembled, prove their right to the role of the club leader.
But I have a different situation.
I have a contract with Washington, and to protect it, you have to pay a lot of insurance.
So I would like to play for Dynamo in the KHL right now.
But this is still unrealistic, "Ovechkin said earlier to Match TV.
While on vacation, Ovechkin starred in the episode of "Krasava" together with the goalkeeper of football "Dynamo" Anton Shunin.
The captain of "Washington" tested the goalkeeper's hockey skills and gave him a master class, scoring five goals out of five.
Preparing for this challenge, Ovechkin once again spoke about his dream of returning to his home team.
At the same time, he was reminded that the club can exchange even such a star player.
“Go to SKA?
It already depends on the leadership.
Maybe they will sign me and exchange me for monetary compensation.
But I haven't played anywhere except Dynamo.
Well, and "Washington", - once again assured of his club patriotism Ovechkin.
Then he said that he would not mind playing for the football Dynamo, if there was such an opportunity, since he himself is very fond of this ball game.
Projecting his hockey skills into football, Ovechkin said he was on a par with Lionel Messi.
“I am a fan of Moscow Dynamo in any kind of sports.
Of course, I would like to play football if there is such an opportunity.
It all depends on the circumstances, on the management, the coaching staff and the team.
I would not change T-shirts with anyone in the RPL, I would have kept it for myself.
As a footballer, I know Wayne Rooney, because he played in Washington for DC United, and Lionel Messi, "said the captain of Washington.
Ovechkin spends his free time in Moscow with his family.
According to the hockey player, his two-year-old son Sergei wants to become an athlete.
Although he has not yet decided on the sport, it is highly likely that he will opt for hockey.
“Of course, in the family we see that he will be a sports boy.
He will choose the sport himself.
But it is unambiguous that he loves a stick, a puck, balls.
Spends a lot of time at sports grounds.
Where we live now, there is a tennis court and a football field.
We even asked Dynamo Moscow to provide us with real hockey goals.
They put them in front of the door, made artificial ice, and the son is constantly engaged in the street, throwing pucks, "Ovechkin said.
At the Dynamo vs. CSKA match in the KHL, the boy supported his father's former team.
“I really liked the game, intense hockey.
It seems that Dynamo are leading 4: 1, everything is already clear.
But then the army team scores two goals.
The fans were sure to be delighted.
At least I judge by my eldest son.
After all, he was the first in Russia to come to hockey.
He was given a small hockey jersey.
Seryozha watched the match from the podium with his dad.
And after the game, he fervently sang the "Dynamo" chant.
In general, at home, we immediately began to instill our son with Dynamo roots, so that he would understand where he was from.
We are Dynamo, and he is also a Dynamo player, ”Ovechkin told the official NHL website.
Speaking about his career, Ovechkin named two goals that he wants to achieve - to break Wayne Gretzky's record for goals in the NHL, for which he needs to score at least 189 more goals, and win the Olympics.
Moreover, he hopes to accomplish the second goal earlier than the first.
Olympics or Gretzky's record?
Olympic gold is closer, there will be a possibility in a few years.
In general, of course, both.
To break the record, you need to have patience and luck.
The question of the participation of NHL players in the Olympics?
This is a question high up in the sky.
When we get closer to business, we will think, ”Ovechkin said.