Zhurova about Ovechkin’s future: “You can still set a goal to play for the Russian national team”

Russian State Duma deputy and Olympic speed skating champion Svetlana Zhurova told Match TV that she would like to see Washington forward Alexander Ovechkin play for the Russian national team at an official tournament.

Earlier, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed hope that this season would not be Ovechkin’s last in the league. The Russian national team has been suspended from international tournaments since 2022 due to the situation in Ukraine.

— Ovechkin’s contract with Washington expires in June. What do you think about his continued career?

“I recently reviewed his phenomenal goals that he scored when he was just starting his NHL career, his first goal. He did it enchantingly, immediately charming all the fans in the USA with his power, skill, and our school of hockey. Here’s a question for Sasha. It’s amazing how many people are already in amazing physical shape. Including my mother’s genetics makes itself felt. His mother is a two-time Olympic champion, and this is not just like that.

It will probably be difficult for him to make it to the next Olympics. I think that we will already be allowed there with the flag and anthem. He may also be able to play in the World Cup for the Russian national team when they return us. He can still set a goal to play for the Russian national team, and then think about leaving. So that our return happens with the flag, the anthem and Sasha Ovechkin,” Zhurova told Match TV.

Ovechkin has 994 goals in the NHL, including the playoffs, Wayne Gretzky’s record is 1016 goals. The 40-year-old Russian is the league record holder for goals in the regular season (917).

Ovechkin has scored 20 goals and provided 21 assists this season.