On the surface it looks like Alex Ovechkin but Tom Wilson has been giving the great eight a run after his extension a summer ago
It's hot in DC and one burning question is who the highest paid player is on the Washington Capitals. It's been almost two years since Alex Ovechkin signed a contract extension that would alter history for the franchise. He was extended for five more years and now there's two years left on the deal and 41 goals away from the great one. Ahh history.
Then there's Tom Wilson. Last August he signed a seven year extension that many thought was controversial. Let's break down both deals.
Alex Ovechkin
Back in 2021 Ovi signed a five year, $47.5 million contract that runs through the 2025-26 season. He'll earn $9.5 million this season. People thought it was a bad contract at the time but all we can say is the number 41.
Former general manager Brian MacLellan told ESPN's Emily Kaplan after the extension:
""The idea of him playing in Russia, or playing for another organization, just didn't make sense. It was important we brought that tone into the negotiations that we were going to try to make it work. We wanted him to finish his career here, be happy about the contract, be happy about the term, and go out the right way.""
Tom Wilson
Let's go from number 41 to number 43. Last August Tom Wilson signed a seven year, $45,500,000 deal which included a $23,000,000 signing bonus. Wilson will carry a cap hit of $6.5 million. At the time of his re-signing, Brian MacLellan said in a statement:
""Tom possesses all the intangibles needed to win in this league, and we are extremely pleased to sign him to a long-term contract, giving him the opportunity to finish his career in a Capitals uniform. Throughout his career, Tom has improved every facet of his game through his drive and competitiveness. We feel his work ethic and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset to our organization for years to come.""
