Alex Ovechkin wishes Alexander Semin was still with the Washington Capitals, but the captain also acknowledged Monday that “it’s a business.”
Ovechkin and Semin played together for six years, and so their friendship grew.
“His skill, he read the game, he can pass the puck well he can shoot it and I like playing with him,” Ovechkin said. “Sometimes I miss, right now I don’t have Russian guys who speak [my] language with.”
Ovechkin said he and Semin would probably have dinner Monday night. The Carolina Hurricanes had an off day and night in the District before Tuesday’s game at Verizon Center.
Semin left the Caps after seven seasons to sign a one-year, $7 million contract with the Hurricanes last summer. Ovechkin said “of course” he wished Semin were still here.
“He’s great player, good guy but it’s a business,” Ovechkin said. “Sometimes it’s not your decision to keep the players.”
Ovechkin said he talks to Semin about once a week. Asked how his friend is enjoying Carolina, he said: “I talk to him, but you can ask him.”
He does think Semin will be fired up to face the Caps.
“Probably yeah. He just want to show up and tell them like it was a mistake,” Ovechkin said. “Every normal player will do it. I think it’s going to be good night for both teams.”
