Alex Ovechkin Announces Retirement at End of 22nd NHL Season

Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday that his 22nd season in the NHL will be his last, marking the beginning of a farewell tour for the Washington Capitals captain. Ovechkin, who holds the league's career goal-scoring record, informed his teammates before the team shared a message from him on social media. "It's sad, but it is what it is," Ovechkin stated in his locker room address. "It's hard, but let's enjoy it and let's do some special things this year." Ovechkin signed a one-year contract this past summer and turned 41 on September 17. He mentioned that he and his family made the decision in recent months. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision," he said in a statement released ahead of the Capitals' home opener on Wednesday night. Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's goals record in April 2025 and entered this season with 929 goals. The Capitals have made several roster changes, acquiring Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch in trades and signing Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais in free agency, aiming for a playoff run. Ovechkin expressed his desire to enjoy the season, saying, "Let's make the playoffs, let's have fun and enjoy the moment because times fly." He emphasized the importance of cherishing the experience for younger players. Speaking to reporters, Ovechkin noted that he wanted to announce his decision before the home opener, stating, "I'm not 20 years old. I want to play with my kids when they're growing up." Ovechkin has spent his entire career with the Capitals, winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2005-06, the Hart Trophy as MVP three times, and leading the NHL in scoring nine times. He was playoff MVP in 2018 when he led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship. Ovechkin's debut with the Capitals occurred 21 years prior to his announcement. He mentioned, "It's been pretty good career, pretty good 22 seasons. Obviously the goal that we have, to bring a Stanley Cup to D.C., we did it." Despite the Capitals' aspirations for the playoffs, ticket prices for their regular-season home finale against Pittsburgh on April 4 were reported to start at $825. Ovechkin played all 82 games last season, scoring 32 goals, and has reached 30 goals in every season except for 2020-21 when he played 45 games. Ovechkin is regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes in Washington sports history, having been drafted No. 1 overall in 2004. His combination of goal-scoring ability and physical play made him a standout player, earning him his first Hart Trophy with a career-high 65 goals in his third season. The Capitals have experienced playoff challenges throughout Ovechkin's career, winning the Presidents' Trophy three times but ultimately securing their championship in 2018. Ovechkin's home opener against Pittsburgh is set for Wednesday.