Lars Eller #20 of the Washington Capitals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Lars Eller has carved out a successful NHL career as a reliable two-way center with a knack for stepping up in crucial moments. Drafted 13th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2007, the Danish forward made his mark in the league after being traded to the Montreal Canadiens, where he developed into a dependable middle-six presence.
However, it was his time with the Washington Capitals that defined his legacy. Acquired in 2016, Eller played a key role in the team’s 2018 Stanley Cup run, scoring the championship-winning goal in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. After brief stints with the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins, Eller found his way back to Washington, rejoining a familiar organization where he had built deep connections.
Coming Back to Washington
Returning to Washington wasn’t just about playing hockey for Eller—it was about coming back to a place that felt like home. The Capitals organization, the fanbase, and the city had all played a pivotal role in his career, and the opportunity to wear the jersey again was something he truly cherished. While much had changed, Eller remained confident that he could make a strong impact both on and off the ice.
“You play your best hockey when you are really comfortable, and you feel like you’re in the right place,” said Eller about returning to Washington in an RG interview. “It’s kind of coming home, to familiar surroundings and a lot of people I know.”
For Eller, Washington has always been more than just a team—it’s been a second home. His previous tenure with the Capitals was filled with memorable moments, including a championship run that cemented his place in franchise history.
While the roster has changed since his last time wearing the jersey, the familiarity with the organization, coaching staff, and core players gives him confidence in the team’s potential. He believes his experience and adaptability can help Washington continue to be competitive in a shifting NHL landscape.
“It’s been great, despite the team being a little bit different than when we won,” added Eller.
“But it’s still, I think, a team that has a chance and has all the assets to win playoff rounds and to win a Stanley Cup. So some things are the same and some things are new, but everything changes a little.”
The Capitals have evolved since their championship days, with a shift in playing style and personnel. Eller recognizes this transformation and embraces the challenge of integrating into the team’s new identity. He sees a group that, while perhaps less focused on finesse, has the versatility to adapt to different playing styles depending on the situation.
“It’s a little different. I think this team is more nuts, not as much skill and high-scoring ability. Now we don’t have a Kuznetsov-type of player. We have different kinds of players that may be stronger defensively, but also a lot of the same with very physical guys like Ovi and Tom,” said Eller. “I think we can play different types of styles. We can play a physical game, we can play high-speed and tempo, we can shoot, we can play high-scoring, or we can play low-scoring. We can play whatever style we need to win, and that’s a big strength.”
Ovechkin’s Impact
Few players have had the privilege of sharing the ice with Alex Ovechkin for an extended period, and Eller is one of them. His admiration for the Capitals’ captain goes beyond his goal-scoring prowess. Ovechkin’s larger-than-life personality and infectious enthusiasm have left a lasting impression on Eller.
Eller shared some of the lighthearted moments that make Ovechkin a unique teammate, recalling stories that highlight his laid-back approach to life off the ice. One such memory involved an unconventional travel situation that encapsulates Ovechkin’s carefree attitude.
“It’s just things he does rather more than things he says,” said Eller. “I remember one time he had to catch a flight to go on vacation. And we dropped him off on the highway. And he walked on the highway off on the shoulder with his bags. Stuff like that. So many funny things!”
But beyond the jokes and lighthearted antics, Eller admires Ovechkin’s passion for the game and his dedication to his teammates. His leadership isn’t just about scoring goals—it’s about the energy and intensity he brings to every game.
“I think he’s very happy when he scores, but he’s also equally happy for other guys when they score. You can really see how excited he is for his teammates when they’re doing well, and that’s probably my favorite thing about him on the ice,” explained Eller. “But also I love when he just gets really mad, and he just crushes people with big hits.”
Ovechkin’s legendary durability has also left Eller in awe. Despite playing a physically demanding style, the Russian superstar has consistently found ways to stay on the ice.
“Yeah, it’s pretty incredible. Usually when people break a leg, they wear like a cast or a boot, but he never did that,” said Eller.
"Two days after, he was walking around. Yeah, he healed really fast. Very impressive.”
As Ovechkin continues his chase for the all-time goal-scoring record, Eller is rooting for his longtime teammate to solidify his place in hockey history.
“Yeah, I hope he gets it. He deserves it. I hope he gets it this year so he can put it behind him. It’s just a matter of when it’s gonna happen. Is it gonna happen this season or next season? I hope for him, he’s gonna do it this season,” said Eller.
Eller has witnessed firsthand the incredible drive and consistency that have defined Ovechkin’s career. From his relentless pursuit of goals to his ability to lift up those around him, Ovechkin has become more than just a record-chasing icon—he’s the heart of the Capitals. For Eller, the chase for history isn’t just about numbers; it’s about celebrating the passion and dedication Ovechkin has brought to the game for nearly two decades.
“To me, he’s already the best goal scorer of all time now, we just have to wait for it to be official in the record books,” added Eller. “So I’m happy. To be part of history with this chase, it’s a big privilege and a big honor to share the ice with him, share the locker room, share a lot of moments with him. It’s just a privilege.”
Igor Rabiner has written for Sport-Express, the biggest Russian sports website, since 1994. He has covered seven FIFA World Cups, seven Winter Olympics, and three Summer Olympics. He is the author of 28 books with total sales of over 500,000 copies. He won an AIPS Sport Media Award for best column and interviewed exclusively Pele, Wayne Gretzky, Franz Beckenbauer, Alex Ovechkin and many other soccer, ice hockey, and tennis superstars. From 2016 to 2021, he has regularly contributed to the Russian version of NHL.com. Has contributed to The Guardian, British soccer magazine The Blizzard, and other world publications. One of the authors of the encyclopedia 'Kings of Ice," which came out in North America in 2002. From 2013 to 2021, Rabiner was a co-owner and teacher in a private sports journalism school in Russia. He has 56,500 followers on X and over 25,000 readers on Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.
