Hockey

Ovechkin Announces 2026-27 Will Be His Final NHL Season

The NHL's all-time leading scorer with 929 goals told his Capitals teammates Monday that his 22nd season will be his last.

Ovechkin Announces 2026-27 Will Be His Final NHL Season

Alex Ovechkin is calling time on one of hockey's greatest careers. The Washington Capitals captain announced Monday that the 2026-27 season — his 22nd in the NHL — will be his last. "My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," the 41-year-old said in a team statement. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision."

Ovechkin informed his teammates in a locker-room address on Monday morning, choosing to announce before Wednesday's home opener against Pittsburgh — the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, when he scored twice. He departs as the league's all-time leader with 929 goals, having shattered Wayne Gretzky's once-untouchable 894 in April 2025 and reached 900 last season.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner led Washington to its only Stanley Cup in 2018 and has 1,688 points in 1,575 games, all with the Capitals. "See you Wednesday, babes!" he signed off.

Published by SportRush Desk on 2026-10-05T20:34:24.499+00:00