ARLINGTON, Va. — Alex Ovechkin says his 22nd NHL season will be his last, beginning the farewell tour for the longtime Washington Capitals captain who holds the league’s career goals record.
Ovechkin addressed his teammates with the news before the team posted a message from him on social media.
“It’s sad, but that’s how it is,” Ovechkin said in his locker room speech. “It’s tough, but let’s enjoy it and do some special things this year.”
Ovechkin signed a one-year contract last summer and turned 41 on September 17. All signs pointed to it being the end, and he said he and his family had decided as much over the past few months.
“I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision,” Ovechkin said in a statement released before the Capitals’ home opener.
Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s goals record in April 2025 and entered this season with 929. The front office acquired Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch in trades and signed fellow forward Boone Jenner and defenseman Vincent Desharnais in free agency to add a young core in hopes of making another deep playoff run and contending for the Stanley Cup.
“We have an incredible team this year,” Ovechkin said. “Let’s make the playoffs, let’s have fun and enjoy the moment because time flies.”
Ovechkin spent his entire career with Washington, winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2005-06, the Hart Trophy as MVP three times and leading the NHL with nine goals. He was playoff MVP in 2018 when he led the Caps to the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.
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