<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/washington-capitals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Capitals</a> player Alex Ovechkin, 41, confirmed on Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his last in the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/nhl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Hockey League</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ovechkin has played for the Capitals since 2005, marking 22 years with the team. He became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer in 2025, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record, and currently has 929 goals.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“This is going to be my last year,” Ovechkin told his teammates during his announcement on Monday morning. “Like, I’m pretty sure it’s for me, it’s for my family. It’s very important to you guys to know first. Yeah, it’s sad, but it is what it is.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Capitals began their season on Friday, winning against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes 5-2. Ovechkin did not score in the first two games of the season. Their next game will be the home opener against the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/pittsburgh/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pittsburgh</a> Penguins on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We have an unbelievable team this year, and you know, 82 games left,” Ovechkin said on Monday. “Let’s make the playoffs. Let’s have fun and enjoy the moment.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ovechkin advised his younger teammates to appreciate the present, reflecting on how quickly his time with the team has passed.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It seems like yesterday I was here in my first year, and right now this is my 22nd year and, you know, it just goes like this,” Ovechkin said, snapping his fingers. “It’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special things this year.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Capitals in July, which includes a $3.25 million signing bonus and up to $4.75 million in performance-based bonuses.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ovechkin, a <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/russia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Russian</a> citizen with <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3372573/putin-congratulates-supporter-alex-ovechkin-record-goal-scoring/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ties to</a> Russian President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/vladimir-putin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vladimir Putin</a>, has previously stated that he plans to move back to Russia after retiring from the NHL.</p>