The Washington Capitals know that they're in the twilight of the Alex Ovechkin era, and though there's been plenty of conversation surrounding the captain's future after this year, it's time to put those talks to an end.

Ovechkin is entering his 21st NHL season, which also marks the final year of the five-year extension he signed back in 2021. When it comes to whether or not he'll continue his NHL career, he made it clear he has not made a decision.

"To be honest with you, I haven’t thought about it yet, but we’ll see what’s going to happen," Ovechkin said at breakdown day. "Obviously, I’m going to try to do my best to be able to do well next year, and we’ll see."

His answer hasn't changed as the summer goes on, with him calling rumors of his retirement "pure nonsense" while he and the team have affirmed that he remains undecided on his future beyond next season.

That said, the discussion should stop there, because, as general manager Chris Patrick pointed out to NHL.com on Thursday that he's earned the right to make the decision about his future on his own, and at the time he sees fit.

Ovechkin, 39, has given plenty to the Washington franchise, and what he deserves in return is space to make his decisions.

Sitting Down With GR8Ness: There's More To Alex Ovechkin Beyond The Goals ARLINGTON, V.A. — Sitting in his stall at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, still wearing his gear, untying his trademark yellow laces and proudly wearing his No. 8 on a gold chain around his neck, Alex Ovechkin glances over.

Not only did he break the NHL's all-time goals record last season, surpassing Wayne Gretzky on April 6 against the New York Islanders, but he's been a reliable captain, consistent presence and generational icon that turned the Capitals into a winning franchise while making Washington, D.C., a hockey town.

He still has plenty left in the tank, too; not only can he become the first player to record 900 regular-season goals, but he's also hungry for another Stanley Cup.

At the end of the day, he does it for the love of the game and his love of the city, and because of that, he's earned the opportunity to wrap up what's been a Hall of Fame career in whichever way he wants, when he wants. And, if that's this year, he should be able to savor every moment without every other question surrounding where he'll be when all is said and done.