Photo: Bruce Bennett

A lot has happened over the last two weeks. Alex Ovechkin received his Rocket Richard Trophy in Las Vegas for scoring the most goals in 2013-14, and new Capitals GM Brian MacLellan started making his mark on the 2014-15 team. GMBM was aggressive in free agency, signing three players: Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen, and Justin Peters.

A few days ago, the Capitals captain did an interview with Konstantin Nuzhdenov of ITAR-TASS. Ovechkin said he was upset Mikhail Grabovski was not returning. He also spoke for the first time about the team’s defensive additions.

Igor Kleyner has your translation.

On winning the Rocket Richard Trophy again:

I believe to win the best goal-scorer title for the 4th time is a significant achievement. I am the first one to do it. I have to point out that my teammates and coaches are the ones who did everything for me to win this award. The 2nd All Star team? It’s always a good feeling to be among the best.

On next season’s goals:

To win, to be in good shape, to show the game I am capable of.

On Grabo leaving:

Of course I am upset about Mikhail Grabovski. We had a close relationship.

On the team’s free agent acquisitions:

That our team signed such guys [as Niskanen and Orpik] – that’s a very strong move. Orpik, for example, is a very physical defenseman. If he plays on your team – it’s a positive for you. But the results will be at the end of the season, it hasn’t even started yet. Who knows what other changes are coming to the team– maybe there will be a trade or something else.

On why Washington decided to make significant changes, such as a new GM and coach:

The owner said he wanted changes. There is a new GM. He had worked in the team’s system, knows it, he drafted me and other players. In principle, the same team remains. We signed two players and a goalie, so that we would be much stronger. We’ll see how it works out.

On if which wing he plays on matters:

Is it good that the coach sees me as a right wing? It does not matter to me which wing I am on. To win as a team is what’s important. At first, we are going to fight for a playoff spot. And what happens then– we’ll see. Playoffs are like a separate second season.

On Adam Oates being fired:

I had a very good relationship with him. More than just a player and a coach. But it is business. He is fired now. Maybe at some point in time me, Backstrom, and Green will be gone too to make the team better. You shouldn’t take it personally.