Just got off the phone with a good source who is very familiar with the situation and Alex Ovechkin, and we had a fascinating conversation. To say the least.
A little background...
Yesterday, Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan opened what was once considered an un-openable door, if only a crack by saying that should the correct hockey deal show itself in the future the Caps would consider moving Ovechkin.
Personally, my opinion of this quote was just Washington's entourage making it known they are exploring every possibility in the wake of another playoff disappointment. This is a team which is very dominant and there simply is no reason to make a coaching change or any other drastic moves. And, yet, they simply can't get past the Penguins.
So I brushed aside these comments by MacLellan as nothing more than a GM showing he is in charge and has a vision for the future.
Then my friend called...
"Alex loves Washington DC, so don't misunderstand me when I say he is tired of the same scene. He always compares himself to Crosby and the other top players and he has had a slew of disappointing outcomes when it matters the most. From the NHL to Russia, AO is sick and tired of repeating history. Some close to him firmly believe he would be open to a new team, as long as he saw that situation as a place where he and his game could flourish, and of course possibly win a Cup," my friend noted.
This is not an entirely new sentiment. More than one person I trust in the hockey world has noted Ovechkin's growing frustration with not winning. Alex feels he has done everything he can do and all that has been asked of him. And he has...right down sacrificing personal stats for the greater good...But he is growing increasingly apathetic to it all.
He has even hinted (some may say joked) at a brief stint in the KHL to get a new feel.
If MacLellan knows this, and I am sure he does, the fact that he put this rather innocent statement out there is NO coincidence.
As one Assistant GM noted, "Unless you are fully 100% denying any possibility of moving Ovechkin people are going to start calling to try and make something happen. MacLellan knows this. I also know AO's strong connection to ownership in Washington and he is not getting traded unless Ovechkin WANTS to be traded...They would never ask."
More to come. Prior to the 4pm hour, including a rumor chart update...We will be doing a mini Buzzcast at some point this afternoon to preview the game tonight...
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