The $124,000,000 Man

Quick newsflash for the millions of you who don't watch hockey, but Washington Capitals left winger Alexander Ovechkin just signed a 124 million dollar contract extension to stay with the team. Pretty sweet deal, eh (that's how they say it in Canada)? To me though, the money isn't near as shocking as say, the length.

The contract makes sure Ovechkin stays a Cap for the next 13 years.

This may be a surprise to some of you, but 13 years is a long time in sports. And yes, while it sounds good for the Caps to make sure the best young'n on the ice next to Sidney Crosby stays in their pocket for a bit, this is the kind of move that could keep Washington fans screaming for years, if something goes terribly wrong.

13 is a pretty big window to take a big spill on the ice that ends your career. It's a pretty big window for a superstar to turn into a dud among duds. Let's take a moment to picture the career of Eric Lindros. Wasn't that pretty?

Now I'm not saying that Ovechkin is destined to weave his place in hockey mediocrity, but there's also no evidence saying Alexander The Great is destined to play outstanding hockey until 2021. Was the contract a mistake? Who am I to say. One thing's for sure though, Ovechkin better turn into one of the top five players of the generation, or Washington'll be catching flak for this one for a long time.

Much longer than 13 years.