“It’s a pity Fedorov and Kozlov returned to Russia” – Ovechkin

Washington Capitals superstar Aleksandr Ovechkin says it’s a pity that his partners Sergey Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov quit NHL and returned to Russian hockey.

“My attitude towards their departure is negative. We became great friends – that’s why I was a little upset when they left. But it’s their decision and I won’t judge them,” Aleksandr Ovechkin said to Sportbox.ru.

NHL veterans 39-year-old Sergey Fedorov and 34-year-old Viktor Kozlov will continue their careers in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League), having signed deals with Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Salavat Yulaev respectively.

However, Aleksandr the Gr8 is not going to follow the example of his elder friends and return to Russia any time soon.

“It’ll happen only in case of an NHL lockout, if there’ll ever be any, of course,” he said.

In January 2008, Ovechkin signed a record 13-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals worth $124 million.