Alex Ovechkin Announces Retirement After 2026-27 NHL Season
The Washington Capitals legend, who is the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer, stated his intention to retire after 22 years in the league.
Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals' star player and the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer, announced Monday that he intends to retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 NHL season, his 22nd year in the league. The 41-year-old Russian made the announcement 21 years to the day of his NHL debut.
"This is going to be my last year," Ovechkin told his teammates in the locker room, as captured in a video posted by the Capitals on social media. "I’m pretty sure it’s for me, for my family, it’s very important for you guys to know first. It’s sad, but it is what it is. We have a f–king unbelievable team this year and 82 games left. Let’s make the playoffs, let’s have fun and enjoy the moment, because, you know, times fly."
Ovechkin's teammates applauded his announcement. In a separate statement released by the team, Ovechkin, who led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in 2017-18, stated that the decision was made with his family over the summer.
"I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision," he said. "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 going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!"
Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s career regular-season goals record in April 2025, and he currently has 929 goals and 759 assists. He has achieved nine 50-goal seasons and 14 seasons with at least 40 goals. His 77 career playoff goals rank 12th all-time. Should the Capitals qualify for the playoffs this season, Ovechkin could potentially enter the top 10, as he trails Jaromir Jagr by one goal and Jean Beliveau by two.
Ovechkin's career has also been marked by his public support for Russian president Vladimir Putin. This support drew scrutiny last month after he appeared in a campaign video for Putin. "I want the peace and love for everybody," Ovechkin told ESPN on Sept. 17. "It doesn’t matter who you are, American, Russian or Ukrainian. I hope everything’s gonna be good and everything’s gonna be done soon." Regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin stated, "I’m not in politics. I can’t say who’s right and who’s wrong."
