Alex Ovechkin has already returned to his native Russia, as planned after concluding his end-of-year meetings with the Washington Capitals. The veteran forward expressed confidence on locker clean-out day that he has not played his final NHL game. Ovechkin stated that his decision to return to the league would hinge on the team’s playoff aspirations and their ability to contend for a Stanley Cup, prioritizing team success above personal or family considerations.

Anaheim Ducks’ Offseason Blueprint

The Anaheim Ducks are approaching the offseason with a significant advantage: an estimated $40.5 million in salary cap space. While they have a substantial amount of flexibility, they also have key restricted free agents (RFAs) to re-sign, including forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, and defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. The team will also need to make decisions regarding veteran pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) on defense, such as John Carlson, Radko Gudas, and Jacob Trouba.

Potential for a Blockbuster Trade

The Anaheim Ducks are not expected to bring back pending UFA defenseman Radko Gudas. To accelerate their development and take the next step, the Ducks could be a strong contender for a major offseason trade. Prominent players who might be available on the trade market this summer include Auston Matthews, Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and potentially Brady Tkachuk. Securing long-term deals for Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson is a top priority for the organization, and they aim to finalize these agreements well before training camp begins, avoiding the drawn-out negotiations experienced with players like Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras, and Jamie Drysdale.

English Translation:

Alex Ovechkin Back in Russia, and the Anaheim Ducks Could Make a Big Splash

Alex Ovechkin has already returned to Russia. The plan was for the pending UFA to have his end-of-year meetings with the Washington Capitals in mid-May and then head back to Russia. On locker clean-out day, the 40-year-old said that he was “pretty sure” he hadn’t played his final NHL game. “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,” Ovechkin said. “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.”

Keys to the Offseason for the Anaheim Ducks

A look at the keys to the offseason for the Anaheim Ducks. Projected cap space: $40.5 million. 2026 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th. They have a lot of salary cap space, but a list of RFAs who are going to eat a good chunk of that – forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, and defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. They’ll also need to decide on a trio of their veteran, pending UFA defensemen – John Carlson, Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba.

Can’t Rule the Anaheim Ducks Out on Making a Big, Offseason Trade

The Anaheim Ducks need to lock up Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson as soon as possible, and they can’t let things drag into training camp as they had done with Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. It doesn’t seem like pending UFA defenseman Radko Gudas will be brought back. A huge offseason trade for a star player shouldn’t be ruled out as they look to take the next step. Potentially on the trade market this offseason could be Auston Matthews, Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and maybe Brady Tkachuk.