On locker clean-out day following their elimination by Carolina, Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin dismissed speculation about not returning next season, emphasizing his intention to play. As he enters the final year of his contract, he has not yet considered if this will be his last NHL season or if he might seek an extension. Additionally, pending UFA Lars Eller expressed desire to continue playing, while Aliaksei Protas will undergo foot injury testing, and wingers Anthony Beauvillier and Andrew Mangiapane have not yet had extension discussions with management.
