Friday, January 04, 2008

"Ovechkin Lets Capitals Contract Expire"

Just when you thought it couldn't get any dumber than Larry Brooks et. al.'s speculation about Alex Ovechkin's contract situation, comes this:
Alexander Ovechkin has refused to renew his contract with the Washington Capitals hockey team. He had received $7.5 million a year for the last five years under that contract. The Russian left winger will become a limited free agent at the end of the season, hoping to receive $10 million per year. That status will allow him to negotiate with any team, but if the Capitals meet the terms he agrees to with another team, he will be required to play for Washington.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis declined to comment on Ovechkin's decision, but expressed hope that the 22-year-old Russian, one of the leading players of the National Hockey League, would remain with the team. Leonsis spoke live on ABC television in the United States. Ovechkin made his NHL debut in the 2005-2006 season and beat Canadian Sidney Crosby for the title for Rookie of the Year. At present, he is under a so-called rookie contract, which pays him the minimum possible sum.
We can cut some slack on a possible translation issue, but seriously - don't they have fact-checkers and/or editors in Russia?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize that AO has been with the Capitals for 5 years already!

I could have sworn it was only 3!

Guess I don't know much.

FAUX RUMORS said...

1) So when did Larry Brooks, Al Strachan and/or Bruce Garrioch start writing for Russian news papers? Geez, there are so many errors in that ridiculous story it sounds like one of those clowns

Anonymous said...

As long as people continue to give Brooks & Co. attention they will continue to write this groundless stuff.

I'm waiting for:

-NY Post lets Brooks contract expire
-NY Post places Brooks on waivers
-NY Post fires Brooks as lead speculative columnist; fact-based columnist X receives position.

NS said...

I signed Ovie to a 7 year, $6.2mil/yr contract in my NHL 2K8 franchise on PS3. Maybe Brooks can use that in his next article?

Hooks Orpik said...

anon 1:37PM: That's a translation issue, read it again....They meant to say the contract he was supposedly offered was $7.5 million a year over 5 years, not that he's been with the Caps for five years.

I might be more inclined to believe this rumor if maybe it leaked from AO's family, but isn't Momma (thought to be the main agent/influence) still in town?

FAUX RUMORS said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
FAUX RUMORS said...

1) Hooks is most likely accurate on the poor translation rationale. Although the Russian media isn't world renown for getting their facts strait, and/or blur facts with opinion

Anonymous said...

Until the Caps sign him be prepared for a daily onslaught of this dribble. Echoing waht Tarik said, I'm not remotely concerned about losing Ovie. However, if Green keeps playing at his present level don't be surprised to see more than a few offer sheets thrown his way this summer.

Let that Boy COOK said...

ovechkin actually just signed a contract extension for the caps, yessssssssssssss!!