Capitals Alex Ovechkin received record extension-contract of $124 millions

 

22 year old Russian Alex Ovechkin has signed the biggest contract in NHL history; the Washington Capitals extended his contract for 13 years for a 9 figure income of $124 million. Even though this is the best contract in terms of money, it is not the longest, as Rick DiPietro signed for 15 years with the New York Islanders.

Ted Leonsis, the president of the Capitals is committed to restructure his team and he is trusting Ovechkin as the cornerstone of his plans. "I'm a risk-taker, and if you're going to make a long-term investment, who else would you do it with?” Leonsis said.

Ovechkin will receive $9 millions for the first six years and then the sum will increase to $10 millions for the rest of the 13 year contract.

To have received the best contract in NHL is also a load of pressure but Ovechkin is more fund of hockey than money. The star winger was the number one overall pick in the 2004 draft, and he has assist the Capitals this season with 32 goals, helping Washington to recover from the league's worst record in a playoff race.

Another player who received a lump amount for an eight-year contract is Jaromir Jagr who in 2001 received $88 millions, but Ted Leonsis said that this two contracts will not be the biggest ones, he’s sure that there would be a few that will surpass these.

Ovechkin has accumulated 130 goals in 2 1/2 seasons, a very good mark for a relatively young player, we’ll see if he can really focus on the game and forget about the cash.

"Hockey is my life, and money is money. ... If you think about money, you stop playing hockey." he said.