Health will be Ovie’s priority, not all-star spot

Alex Ovechkin was named a captain for the 2020 NHL All-star Game Jan. 25 in St. Louis after receiving the most fan votes of any player in the Metropolitan Division. However, the 34-year-old Washington Capitals captain remains noncommittal on whether he will play.

Last year, Ovechkin opted to not play, deciding he was better off using the break to recharge for the season’s second half.

Addressing his 2020 selection Saturday after the Capitals’ 3-1 win over Tampa Bay, Ovechkin said his health will take priority in his decision.

“We’ll see,” said Ovechkin, who has 22 goals and 35 points this season. “I have to be healthy for the most important games moving forward.”

Ovechkin was selected to the Allstar Game for the 11th time in his 15-year NHL career. He has played in seven All-star games and was voted captain of the Metropolitan Division for the third consecutive year and fourth time overall.

“It’s always nice to be a captain on the all-star team,” Ovechkin said. “Thanks to the fans for voting for me. It’s a huge honour for me, for this organization and this team.”

The all-star format will be a fourteam, three-on-three competition. Each team will be made up of 11 players from their respective division. Other captains include: Boston’s David Pastrnak (Atlantic), Colorado’s Nathan Mackinnon (Central) and Edmonton’s Connor Mcdavid (Pacific).

Ovechkin isn’t likely to be Washington’s only all-star. Norris Trophy candidate John Carlson is sure to be in consideration. Carlson was selected to his first All-star Game last season.

Carlson has 13 goals and 47 points and leads all defencemen in points, assists (34) and goals, the latter with Nashville’s Roman Josi.

Goaltender Braden Holtby has also been selected for four straight All-star games.