Alex Ovechkin following in Pavel Datsyuk's footsteps?

It's almost unthinkable if you're a Washington Capitals fan, imagining your franchise without number 8 in the line up.

The recent departure of Pavel Datsyuk to the Kontinental Hockey League, a decision that based on the contract he abandoned in the National Hockey League and the one he signed in the KHL was motivated by factors outside of money, has raised questions about what other top tier Russian players could look to do the same in the future.

In a recent report CSN Mid-Atlantic's Chuck Gormley appears to indicate he believes that this is very much the case with Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin.

If you’ve ever wondered how and when Alex Ovechkin would sever his ties with the Capitals and the NHL, look no further than one of the players he admires most.

It's a crazy thought, but rewind a few years and present the Pavel Datsyuk scenario to fans of the Detroit Red Wings and they probably also thought that would have been crazy. It's not just that Gormley thinks he could leave either, but Gormley also indicated that he believes the end of Ovecvhkin's current deal could be all the time Ovechkin chooses to spend as an NHL player.

So for those wondering, the Capitals’ window to win a Stanley Cup with Ovechkin is now at five years and counting … backward. 

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