Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin Announces This Will Be His Final Season In The NHL

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is hanging up the skates after this season.

The 41-year-old announced to his teammates on Monday that the 2026-27 campaign will be his final year in the NHL.

"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," Ovechkin said in a statement.

He also told his teammates before Capitals practice.

"This is going to be my last year. I'm pretty sure it's... for my, for my family, it's very important to you guys to know first," Ovechkin told his teammates as he informed the locker room in the morning before practice. "It's sad, but it is what it is. We have an unbelievable team for this year and 82 games left. Let's make the playoffs, let's have fun and enjoy the moment.

"Times fly for young guys are first-year or experienced guys. I remember that moment and enjoy the time. Times fly. It seems like yesterday I was here for my first year and right now this is my 22nd year. It goes like this so, it's hard but let's enjoy it and let's do some special things this year."

Ovechkin is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 929 goals after breaking Wayne Gretzky's record back in 2025. He is 11 goals away from passing Gretzky for the most combined goals in NHL history, including regular season and playoffs.

The Russian winger has appeared in both games for D.C. this season, picking up one assist, which puts him four behind Nicklas Backstrom for the most in franchise history. He led the team in scoring just a season ago.