Alex Ovechkin to Retire After Current NHL Season
Washington Capitals star and all-time leading goal scorer announces his 22nd season will be his last.
Alex Ovechkin announced Monday that the current NHL season will be his final one. The Washington Capitals forward, who is 41 years old, made the announcement ahead of the team's home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He signed a one-year contract in the offseason to return for his 22nd season, all of which have been spent with the Capitals.
"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision," Ovechkin said in a statement released by the team. "It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special."
Ovechkin is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 929 goals. Last season, he played in all 82 regular-season games, the first time he achieved this since the 2017-18 campaign. He recorded 32 goals and 32 assists, with his average ice time dropping to a career-low of 17:26 per game.
His NHL debut occurred exactly 21 years prior to his retirement announcement, on October 5, 2005, where he scored two goals in a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Capitals' final regular-season home game this season is against the Penguins, which could mark another matchup between Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.