Alex Ovechkin announces this will be his final NHL season as all-time great career comes to a close
Alex Ovechkin Announces Final NHL Season Ahead of Capitals Home Opener
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals announced on Monday that superstar forward Alex Ovechkin will call the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign his last in the National Hockey League. The 41‑year‑old, who has spent every season of his 22‑year career in the nation's capital, signed a one‑year deal with the team in the offseason and has now made the decision to retire after the regular season ends.
In a statement released by the Capitals, Ovechkin said, “My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.” He added that the timing of the announcement—before the team’s first home game—was deliberate so that he could personally thank everyone who has supported him over the years. “It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special,” the statement read.
Ovechkin’s final home game on the Capitals’ regular‑season schedule will be against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a matchup that could see him face former teammate and longtime rival Sidney Crosby one last time. The game is expected to be a fitting send‑off for the player who has become the NHL’s all‑time goal‑scoring leader with 929 goals to his name.
Last season, the 40‑year‑old played a full 82 games—a first since the 2017‑18 season—while averaging a career‑low 17 minutes and 26 seconds of ice time per game. He finished the campaign with 32 goals and 32 assists, a testament to his enduring skill even as his role has evolved.
Ovechkin’s retirement announcement comes exactly 21 years after his NHL debut, when he scored two goals in a 3‑2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 5, 2005. The Russian star’s career has been marked by milestones, including 32 seasons in the league and a record for the most goals by a North American-born player.
The Capitals’ coaching staff and management have expressed gratitude for Ovechkin’s leadership and commitment, noting that his experience will continue to benefit the team during the season. As the franchise prepares for its final home opener of the year, fans and teammates alike are ready to celebrate the legacy of a player who has defined an era for Washington hockey.