Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick says Alex Ovechkin's future beyond this season will 'have to wait.' The 40-year-old captain, in the final year of his contract, remains focused on helping the team reach the playoffs. Ovechkin has already reached 20 goals this season, continuing his remarkable consistency.

The franchise has avoided a full rebuild during Ovechkin's aging, missing the playoffs just once in 11 seasons. However, the Capitals are currently on the playoff bubble after a sluggish stretch. Patrick confirmed the team is actively seeking a skilled winger before the March 6 trade deadline to bolster their postseason push.

New York Rangers GM Chris Drury signaled his team is open to selling, highlighting the varied playoff strategies across the Eastern Conference. Patrick noted that any deadline move must balance short-term help for Ovechkin's potential final run with the organization's long-term health, a challenge for a team still competitive despite key injuries.