Alex Ovechkin rejects immediate Russian national team coaching interest

Alex Ovechkin has dismissed immediate interest in coaching the Russian national team. During a press conference at the annual Ovi Cup, the Washington Capitals captain stated, “I don’t want to be a player-coach. We have some pretty skilled coaches, basically. You have to want to coach the national team — I don’t want to yet.”

Ovechkin noted that Russia has not yet been reinstated to official IIHF competitions following the ban related to the invasion of Ukraine, which has been extended through the 2026-27 season. He expressed that for the time being, he and others are essentially fans.

While he is not pursuing a head coaching role, Ovechkin mentioned he would be willing to serve as an assistant coach if teammate Evgeni Malkin were to become a head coach. He currently holds a senior advisor position with Dynamo Moscow.

Regarding his playing career, Ovechkin recently signed a one-year contract to return to the Washington Capitals for his 22nd NHL season. He also indicated that he intends to settle in his hometown of Moscow once his professional hockey career concludes.