Ovechkin tells Capitals teammates this will be his last NHL season
Washington’s captain announced his decision before Monday’s practice, ahead of the Capitals’ first home game.
What's newSidney Crosby says his rivalry with Ovechkin has developed into a friendship.
Alex Ovechkin told his Washington Capitals teammates before practice Monday, Oct. 5, that the 2026-27 season will be his final year in the NHL.
“This is going to be my last year, I’m pretty sure,” he said in a video shared by the Capitals.
In a statement on the club’s website, Ovechkin said he and his family reached the decision during the summer. He wanted to announce it before Washington’s home opener so he could thank the fans and the people who have supported his career.
Ovechkin is playing his 22nd NHL season, all with Washington. He holds the league’s regular-season goals record with 929 goals and helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.
Washington also announced a season-long community campaign with Ovechkin. Starting in November, the Capitals will announce an initiative or event on the eighth of each month through the end of the regular season, with their captain taking part in each.
Sidney Crosby said Monday that his rivalry with Ovechkin had developed into a friendship, Sportsnet reported after Pittsburgh's morning skate. Crosby said their competitiveness and playoff history had made them less close early in their careers, but that he now respects Ovechkin and hopes he enjoys his final season.
The captain said his focus remains on making the playoffs and giving his teammates a memorable final season. Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
