

Geoff Burke/USA Today

As he did in 2014, Washington Capitals’ owner Ted Leonsis says he’ll back Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and his players if they want to go to the 2018 Olympics, even if the NHL doesn’t shut down.

In an interview with former Capitals beat reporter Alex Prewitt for Sports Illustrated, Leonsis had the following to say about the situation:

Alex Ovechkin was asked during the World Cup of Hockey, if he planned to play in the upcoming 2018 Olympics, to be held in South Korea.

Alex Ovechkin on 2018 Olympics: “I WILL go there…” — “Maybe I won’t be in the NHL, maybe I’ll be retired.” pic.twitter.com/7kgj6hCPhU — Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) September 16, 2016

Ovechkin has made it clear since early last year that his plan was to play in the Olympics, regardless of a potential ban.

Leonsis continues to support Ovechkin/Caps who want to participate in Pyeongchang: “I’ve got to have my captain’s back, and I will.” — Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) October 7, 2016

The NHL made its first public comments regarding Ovechkin’s statements during the World Cup of Hockey, stating it is looking less likely the NHL will send its players.

According to an article in today’s Chicago Tribune, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set a deadline of January 15th for the NHL to decide.

Alex Prewitt’s complete interview with Ted Leonsis can be found here:

By Jon Sorensen

Share this: Tweet





