Alex Ovechkin will return to the Washington Capitals for his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract worth $4.25 million, the team announced July 2. The veteran forward, who will be 41 next season, had been contemplating retirement.
Ovechkin's decision to continue playing was influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family, including his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, and their two sons. Shubskaya was present with the couple's children when Ovechkin signed the contract, a moment captured and shared by the Capitals' Instagram account with the caption "family first."
Shubskaya garnered attention for her appearance in the photograph, particularly her black attire. The Capitals' Instagram post highlighted the family's presence during the contract signing.
In April 2025, Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's record for the most career goals in NHL history, achieving his 895th goal. He currently holds 929 career regular-season goals and 77 postseason goals, surpassing 1,000 total career goals. Ovechkin's return is also driven by his pursuit of another Stanley Cup, having won only one championship in his career to date.