Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, 41, announces NHL retirement after this season
The 41-year-old said he decided with his family this summer after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record and signing a one-year deal.
- On Monday, 41-year-old Alex Ovechkin announced the 2026-27 season will be his final NHL campaign, sharing the news with Washington Capitals teammates first in a team-posted video.
- Ovechkin signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million in July with a $4.25 million cap hit to return for his 22nd season, entering this final year with 929 career goals after surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time record in April 2025.
- The Moscow native won three Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award titles, nine Maurice Rocket Richard Trophies, and earned the Art Ross Trophy, Calder Trophy, and Mark Messier Leadership Award while helping the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.
- In his locker room address, Ovechkin said, "It's hard, but let's enjoy it and let's do some special things this year," emphasizing his focus on making the playoffs with his teammates.
- Representing Russia three times at the Winter Olympics and 13 times at the World Championship, Ovechkin won gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2014, solidifying his legacy as a Hall of Famer.
102 Articles
102 Articles
Alex Ovechkin said Monday that his 22nd season in the NHL will be his last, reports the AP, starting the farewell tour for the longtime Washington Capitals captain who holds the League's career goal-scoring record. Ovechkin addressed teamsmates to deliver the news before the team posted a message from his...
TVA Nouvelles
Le Journal de QuebecThe 41-year-old told his teammates that the 2026-2027 season would be his last.
Alexander Owetschkin ends his NHL career after the current season at the age of 41. The captain of the Washington Capitals holds the goal record.
Alex Ovechkin, the star of the Washington Capitals team and the record holder of goals scored in the regular NHL season, announced that the current season will be his last in the North American ice hockey league. The 41-year-old Russian attacker has another important goal: to exceed Wayne Gretzky's record for the total number of goals scored in the regular season and in the playoff.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
