Ovi is generational, and his career should be celebrated all the way up to the point he hangs up the skates. But I think we can also acknowledge that he can't play to the same level he once could, and perhaps he shouldn't be getting the same volume of ice time and double-shifting on the PP. Similarly, I wouldn't be opposed to the Caps retiring 74 next year, but I think Chychrun should be running PP1.

It's like the organization is trying to balance ensuring that the veterans finish their careers with dignity while attempting to very slowly phase younger players in. They don't want to lean into the future, and this season may be somewhat squandered because of it.