Russian Contact Could Be of Help

Despite that possibility, there is little doubt around the league the Capitals will end up taking him.

"I've seen Ovechkin play, and he is absolutely a world-class player," said a player agent who asked that his name not be used because it could affect his ability to work with the Capitals and other clubs. "I don't want to say it would be a mistake on the Capitals' part if they don't take him, but I would be surprised if they didn't."

McPhee declined to comment. Ovechkin's agent, Don Meehan did not immediately return a phone call.

Ovechkin's athletic skills were passed down from his parents. His mother, Tatiana, won Olympic gold medals with the Soviet Union's women's basketball team in 1976 in Montreal and 1980 in Moscow, and his father, Mikhail, is a former professional soccer player with Moscow Dynamo. Ovechkin has always worn the number his mother wore -- No. 8 -- as a tribute to her.

"My mom always tell me you must be first, you must be first," Ovechkin said. "My father comes to all of my tournaments. If I play in Canada, he comes to Canada."

Ovechkin has also suffered tragedy. His older brother, Sergei, who was responsible for sparking Alexander's interest in hockey, died in a car accident a few years ago.

"I think about him everyday," Ovechkin said before choking up and lowering his head.

There are potential hang-ups that may complicate Ovechkin's arrival in Washington. The NHL's collective bargaining agreement with the players' union expires Sept. 15, and the sides remain far apart on the issue of player salaries, putting the game's immediate and long-term future in limbo.

Further complicating matters is the recent expiration of the player transfer contract between the NHL and International Ice Hockey Federation, which governs player transfer fees that NHL teams pay to European clubs when they sign a player. Russian hockey officials want no part of a new deal -- they instead want to negotiate independently with NHL teams, a move that could prove costly for the Capitals.

Ovechkin said if there is an owners' lockout next season he will return to Moscow Dynamo.