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Alex Ovechkin: 'I'm never going to ask for a trade'

Eric Hartline / USA TODAY

The Washington Capitals had locker clean out day Monday, just like many other teams around the league who did not make the playoffs. Captain Alex Ovechkin was quite candid with media when asked about his role and his future with the team.

"I’m never going to ask for a trade. I feel comfortable. I love the fans, love the city. This organization has given me a lot," Ovechkin told reporters.

Ovechkin was reluctant to blame head coach Adam Oates for the Capitals' season. "It doesn't matter what system you’re gonna play. The players have to respond, give everything they have out there," he said.

He continued:

If someone’s going to say the system’s bad, well, look at yourself. Look at the position you’re playing. Look at video. If you’re ‘D’, you have to make a pass. Everyone can throw it up on the glass and say it’s OK. We have to score goals. You can’t blame our system right now.

Ovechkin claimed the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal-scorer with 51 goals.

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