Some bonds in sports go beyond the ice — and Spencer Carbery’s connection with Alex Ovechkin might be one of the Capitals’ secret weapons. But here’s where it gets really interesting: their conversations aren’t just about hockey plays or goal counts. They’re about mindset, team energy, and even life off the rink.
On Monday’s episode of ESPN’s The Drop podcast, the reigning NHL Coach of the Year sat down with Arda Ocal and Greg Wyshynski to talk about his career journey — from his days in Hershey to his development as a head coach — but the spotlight inevitably shifted to his relationship with Washington’s legendary captain. Carbery explained that his chats with Ovechkin happen almost every day when the team is in session, and sometimes, they’re even more meaningful during off-days over the phone.
“It’s not just a quick, ‘You good to play next year?’” Carbery said. “It’s constant check-ins — how’s he feeling physically, how’s he holding up mentally, where’s he at? But it’s bigger than that. He’s our captain, so he has his finger on the pulse of the entire team. I want to know his read on the group, what he thinks we need, and how I or the coaching staff can help. It’s about keeping those lines open daily and making sure he’s in the best place possible — both for himself and for the guys around him.”
That open communication pays off. In his late 30s, Ovechkin has defied expectations: after a slow start in the 2023–24 season, he still netted 31 goals, then ramped up to 44 in 2024–25. Following a busy offseason where the Capitals brought in eight new players, Carbery and Ovechkin worked closely to make those newcomers feel integrated fast — a move that helped Washington unexpectedly top the Eastern Conference standings last year.
Carbery credits not just Ovi, but the entire leadership core for creating a winning culture. “Alex, John Carlson, Tom Wilson… even TJ Oshie and Nick Backstrom, who’ve recently moved on, set the tone years ago. That foundation means that when someone new steps into our locker room, they instantly feel they belong. As a coach, I value that deeply — it aligns perfectly with how I think a team should operate. We strive to make expectations crystal clear and ensure every player, whether they’re a rookie or a veteran trade acquisition, knows exactly what’s asked of them. That comfort breeds performance, and our leaders are phenomenal at making it happen.”
Now, as the Capitals prepare for the 2025–26 season, there’s an unspoken question looming: could this be Ovechkin’s final year in the NHL? Carbery, who had a front-row seat to the Great 8’s goals chase last season, respects how Ovechkin is handling the speculation. Ovi isn’t ruling anything out — he’ll decide after the season ends. Carbery sees that as a smart move, avoiding distractions and keeping focus on the grind.
“If we knew it was his last year,” Carbery admitted, “every arena, especially out West, would turn into a farewell stage. Honestly, no one knows what’s ahead. We’d love him to play as many years as possible, but we also respect that the decision is his. Based on my talks with him, it all depends on how this season unfolds — how he feels physically and mentally, especially after coming back from an injury in training camp. For now, he’s keeping it open — and that might be the healthiest approach for everyone.”
And here’s a thought for you — should legendary players announce their retirement decisions early to give fans closure and celebration, or keep it quiet to preserve focus and team unity? What’s your take on how Ovechkin is handling it? Let’s hear it in the comments.
