Hockey season is now finally here as training camps are now open around the league.  On Thursday, Capitals players, coaches, and executives spoke to the media at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

The Capitals Captain spoke at the podium to reporters for about ten minutes.  He spoke on things that pertained to his summer training, Evgeny Kuznetsov’s drug usage, the pressure to win now, Nicklas Backstrom’s impact on himself and the club, his contract status, and expectations for the new year.

Video: @Capitals

Some Ovechkin quotes:

“He realized he makes a mistake. As a group, all we going to do is support him.” — Alex Ovechkin on Evgeny Kuznetsov. #Caps pic.twitter.com/AiLeQXZTey

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) September 12, 2019

When asked about his own contract Ovechkin said ‘of course’ he would like to stay in Washington and that he didn’t want to play for a team other than the #Caps

— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 12, 2019

Alex Ovechkin will be on ice for start of camp tomorrow after fall off bicycle on Sunday and awkward fall in scrimmage Monday. Ovechkin skated yesterday.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 12, 2019

OTHER NOTES

-Ovechkin seemed rather cheerful and upbeat despite being involved in a bike accident recently.

-Ovechkin could not speak on his future with the Capitals, but he did make a comment on Washington being the only team he wants to play for.

-Ovechkin seemed confident that the locker room will stand behind Evgeny Kuznetsov.  He says that the best thing everyone can do for him is to stand by and support him.

-Ovechkin spoke highly of teammates Nicklas Backstrom and Braden Holtby, who are both in contract years.  Ovechkin understands the business side of things, and hopes that they can keep the core group together for more years.

-Ovechkin has made some changes to his offseason training.  He is aiming to become quicker as he has now become the oldest member of the Capitals roster.

By: George Foussekis