Capitals’ Legend Alex Ovechkin Announces Retirement After This Season

Alex Ovechkin revealed on Monday that the upcoming season will be his last in the NHL.

The Capitals captain issued a statement via the team, noting, “I know in my heart this is the right decision.”

At 41, Ovechkin embarks on his 22nd NHL season boasting 929 career goals—far surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s former mark of 894. After re‑signing a one‑year contract this summer, he returns to Washington having played every game last season, during which he led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points.

Ovechkin explained that he settled on retiring after this season during discussions with his family over the summer.

‘It was important for me to share this news before our first home game, so I could thank everyone who has mattered to me and my family, and who supported me through victories and setbacks,’ Ovechkin wrote. ‘I could not have achieved what I have without them. I look forward to this season alongside my teammates, and we will strive to make it memorable.’

From the #Gr8: https://t.co/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin’s contract carries a $4.25 million average annual value this season, plus a $4.75 million performance bonus that activates after he appears in his tenth game.

The Capitals also shared a video of Ovechkin discussing his retirement plans with his teammates.

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL https://t.co/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Last season, Ovechkin notched his NHL‑record 20th 30‑goal campaign, marking the 21st straight year he has led or tied for the team lead in goals. However, his average ice time fell to a career‑low 17:27 as head coach Spencer Carbery sought ways to get the most out of his veteran captain.

The Capitals made substantial offseason moves to bolster their roster while also planning for a future beyond Ovechkin. Wingers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kurou were among their headline summer acquisitions. Although Washington fell short of the playoffs last season despite Ovechkin’s 32 goals, they are now regarded as Eastern Conference contenders heading into the new campaign.

Ovechkin’s final regular‑season home game will pit him against longtime rival Sidney Crosby, whose career has run parallel to Ovechkin’s since both entered the league in 2005. Crosby, who could have signed a new extension with Pittsburgh this summer, is now in the final year of his contract, though sources indicate the 39‑year‑old has no intention of retiring.

This season, Ovechkin and Crosby join Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Stan Mikita and Steve Yzerman as the only players in NHL history to have logged 22 seasons with a single franchise.

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