WASHINGTON — This season will be Alex Ovechkin's last. The Washington Capitals captain and NHL all-time leading scorer announced to teammates in a video posted by the team on Monday that his 22nd NHL season will be his final one.
"I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision," Ovechkin said in a statement. "I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career."
The 41-year-old Russian is underway in his 22nd season after being drafted first overall by the Capitals in 2004 and has spent his entire career in Washington, highlighted by winning the 2018 Stanley Cup. Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record in April 2025 when he scored his 895th against the New York Islanders and currently sits at 929 career tallies, plus 77 more in the playoffs.
That combined total of 1,006 puts him 10 goals shy of Gretzky's combined goals record of 1,016. His 1,688 career regular-season points rank 10th, with a chance to pass Mario Lemieux (1,723) and Steve Yzerman (1,755) in his final season.
Ovechkin and the Capitals are set to play their home opener Wednesday against longtime rival Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. "We have an unbelievable team this year," Ovechkin said. "Let's make the playoffs, let's have fun and enjoy the moment because times fly."