I don't think anyone arguing caution against the 5 year deal wants Ovechkin to play less than five years or wants him to change to a different team. I don't want it to happen. I don't expect it to happen. I pray that it won't happen. But we're coming off a reality in which Zdeno Chara just played a season for the Capitals and it took an act of god to stop Henrik Lundqvist from playing for the Capitals. Patrick Marleau spent time in Toronto, and Thornton is there now. Daniel Alfredsson had that season in Detroit and Mats Sundin in Vancouver. I don't want to ever see Ovechkin in another NHL team's jersey, but it wouldn't be unprecedented.
It comes down to where you see the franchise's priorities in 4 or 5 years. Is it chasing 894? Or is it chasing another Cup? For those who still hope for the "both" answer, a shorter deal with subsequent (presumably cheaper) extensions may have been the best answer. That's why you see some people thinking that 5 years is too long. If the franchise is hellbent on another Cup, the 5 year deal could even jeopardize the odds that Ovechkin remains a Capital. I doubt the franchise will go that route, but I can understand the logic of those who fear it. I suspect the last few years of Ovie's contract will be all about the 894 circus.