Alex Ovechkin Announces 2026-27 Will Be His Final NHL Season
The Capitals star and NHL's all-time leading goal scorer told teammates on Monday that he and his family decided this summer to make this his last year.
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has confirmed that this season will be his last in the NHL. According to TSN, he first told his teammates in the locker room on Monday, then released a written statement.
"It's sad, but it is what it is," Ovechkin told the room. "It's hard, but let's enjoy it and let's do some special things this year."
What Ovechkin said
In his statement, Ovechkin said he and his family made the decision over the summer. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision," he said.
He said it was important to announce before the team's first home game. That gives him a chance to thank the people around the sport who have helped him and his family through good times and tough losses.
He also looked ahead. He said he plans to enjoy every moment with his family, his boys, the fans and everyone connected to his career. He told teammates, "We have an unbelievable team this year," and urged them to make the playoffs and have fun.
The contract and the season so far
Ovechkin signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million in July to come back for a 22nd season. The cap hit is $4.25 million. He earns an extra $4.75 million bonus if he plays in 10 games.
He has one assist through the team's first two games, according to TSN. Yahoo Sports' related coverage notes that Washington beat the defending Cup champions 5-2 on opening night. The Capitals then lost 3-1 to Tampa Bay on Saturday.
A career by the numbers
Ovechkin passed Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record in 2024-25. Last season he scored 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games.
Washington drafted him first overall in 2004. With him, the team has won 10 division titles, three Presidents' Trophies and the 2018 Stanley Cup. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP that year, with 15 goals and 27 points in 24 games.
His other honors, per TSN:
- Three Hart Trophies and three Ted Lindsay Awards (2008, 2009, 2013)
- Nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the league's top goal scorer
- The 2008 Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in scoring
- The 2006 Calder Trophy as rookie of the year
- The 2025 Mark Messier Leadership Award
- A place on the NHL's list of its 100 greatest players, named in 2017
The Moscow native also played for Russia at three Winter Olympics. His teams finished fourth in 2006, sixth in 2010 and fifth in 2014. He also played in 13 World Championships and won gold in 2008, 2012 and 2014.
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What happens next
Ovechkin's final season is now underway, and the Capitals are still at the start of their schedule.
Neither the team nor Ovechkin has said anything in these sources about a farewell tour or other tributes.
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