It took Alex Ovechkin a long time to decide whether or not he’d return for a 22nd NHL season in 2026-27, though that won’t be the case when it comes to him playing again in 2027-28.
Just two games into the new campaign, Ovechkin announced to his teammates on Monday that this will indeed be his final year, one that he hopes to go out on a high note.
“This is going to be my last year. Like, I’m pretty sure it’s for me and for my family, it’s very important for you guys to know first. And yeah, it’s sad. But, you know, it is what it is. We have an unbelievable team this year and, you know, 82 games left. Let’s make the playoffs, let’s have fun and enjoy the moment because time flies. For young guys who are first year or experienced guys, you know, I remember that moment, and enjoy the time because time flies. And, you know, it seems like yesterday I was here in my first year and now this is my 22nd year. It just goes like this. Yeah, it’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special things this year, all right?”
The 41-year-old Ovechkin signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract extension that includes up to $4.75 million more in performance bonuses with the Washington Capitals in July. He has tallied one point (one assist) through two games to start the new season.
After surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, there really isn’t much more for Ovechkin to achieve, so the hockey world knew the end would be coming sooner rather than later.
The Capitals and the league as a whole won’t be the same without the Great 8, and fans will now have the chance to give Ovechkin his farewell tour all year long, honoring the remarkable career he’s had.
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