The fawning is the sort that might lead to resentment among teammates.

“You know why it’s not an issue? Because Alex isn’t like that. If Alex was like that and just craved the spotlight and just talked about himself, then maybe it would rub guys the wrong way,” Laich said. “We haven’t heard Alex say one word about himself being the star and himself winning these awards and himself earning all this money. We haven’t heard one word of that.”

Instead, they hear about how Ovechkin called a Capitals spokesman over and over from Russia on July 1, the first day of free agency, and checked in with general manager George McPhee, too, intent on getting the latest news.

“He cares a lot about this club,” McPhee said, “and wants to know what’s going on.”

Ovechkin was the first player to get in touch with Theodore after Washington signed the 2002 league MVP.

“He said, ’Welcome to the Capitals.’ It was nice for a guy his age to call me,” the 32-year-old Theodore said. “He showed a lot of maturity.”

Ovechkin has been acting more like a grown-up in other ways, too. He surprised McPhee by showing up for the official team photo clean-shaven, his usual scruff gone. And Ovechkin said he plans to get a new tooth soon to fill the gap in his grin.

That space is still there, for now, and it shows every time Ovechkin smiles, which he does a lot. Not, however, while discussing last season, which ended with a loss to the Flyers in overtime of Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs.

Let others revel in what Ovechkin achieved in 2007-08.

“It’s done. It’s history,” Ovechkin said, peering out from under the bent brim of a black baseball cap that’s part of his new clothing line. “This year? You never know. But I hope we’re going to be the best team in the league.”

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