Alex Ovechkin told his Washington Capitals teammates on Monday, October 5, 2026 that the coming 2026-27 season will be his last in the NHL, bringing down the curtain on a 22-season career that rewrote the league's record book.
Ovechkin made the announcement in a locker-room address and in a statement released through the team. The timing was symbolic — it came on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, in which he scored twice.
"I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it is the right decision," Ovechkin said. He revealed that he and his family had decided over the summer that this would be his final year, and that he wanted to announce it before the first home game so he would have "the chance to thank all the people around the game."
A record-breaking career
Ovechkin, 41, enters his final season with 929 career regular-season goals — the NHL record. He broke Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894 in April 2025 against the Islanders and became the league's first 900-goal scorer in 2025-26. He signed a one-year contract this summer worth $4.25 million in average annual value, plus a $4.75 million performance bonus triggered when he appears in his tenth game.
Last season he played all 82 games, leading the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points and recording his NHL-record 20th 30-goal season. Washington missed the playoffs. The Capitals open the new season on Wednesday, October 7 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby.
A one-franchise legend
Drafted first overall in 2004, Ovechkin has spent his entire career in Washington. His honours include the Calder Trophy in 2005-06, three Hart Trophies as league MVP, the NHL scoring title nine times, and the 2018 playoff MVP award after leading the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup. Team owner Ted Leonsis praised his "unmatched desire to win."
Sources:
- ESPN: 'Times fly' — Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to retire at end of season
- NBC Sports: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says his 22nd NHL season will be his last
Ovechkin made the announcement in a locker-room address and in a statement released through the team. The timing was symbolic — it came on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, in which he scored twice.
"I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it is the right decision," Ovechkin said. He revealed that he and his family had decided over the summer that this would be his final year, and that he wanted to announce it before the first home game so he would have "the chance to thank all the people around the game."
A record-breaking career
Ovechkin, 41, enters his final season with 929 career regular-season goals — the NHL record. He broke Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894 in April 2025 against the Islanders and became the league's first 900-goal scorer in 2025-26. He signed a one-year contract this summer worth $4.25 million in average annual value, plus a $4.75 million performance bonus triggered when he appears in his tenth game.
Last season he played all 82 games, leading the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points and recording his NHL-record 20th 30-goal season. Washington missed the playoffs. The Capitals open the new season on Wednesday, October 7 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby.
A one-franchise legend
Drafted first overall in 2004, Ovechkin has spent his entire career in Washington. His honours include the Calder Trophy in 2005-06, three Hart Trophies as league MVP, the NHL scoring title nine times, and the 2018 playoff MVP award after leading the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup. Team owner Ted Leonsis praised his "unmatched desire to win."
Sources:
- ESPN: 'Times fly' — Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to retire at end of season
- NBC Sports: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says his 22nd NHL season will be his last
