Alex Ovechkin Announces His Final NHL Season

“This is going to be my last year,” Alex Ovechkin told his Washington Capitals teammates on Monday, announcing that the 2026–27 season will be his final year in the NHL.

In his address to the team, Ovechkin said it was important for his teammates to hear the news first. He urged them to enjoy their time together and pursue a playoff berth in his 22nd NHL season.

Ovechkin, 41, holds the NHL record with 929 regular-season goals and captained Washington to its first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. Capitals’ official announcement

Speaking to reporters afterward, Ovechkin said he had discussed the decision with his wife. He cited his desire to remain healthy enough to be active with his children as they grow up.

Asked whether potential tributes in opposing arenas could become a distraction, he said he was open to other teams recognizing him. His priority would remain helping Washington win.

“I’m going to focus to help the team to win,” Ovechkin said in his media availability.

Sidney Crosby said making the decision public would allow Ovechkin to concentrate on playing rather than continuing to answer questions about his future.

Asked how their relationship had changed from the early years of their careers, the Penguins captain recalled the attention that placed them opposite one another before they had established themselves in the league.

“Before we even met, we were kind of built up against each other,” Crosby said in his response to Ovechkin’s announcement.

Crosby said their competitiveness and playoff encounters made it difficult to be close early on. Over the years, their repeated meetings developed into a friendship, accompanied by his respect for Ovechkin.

On Ovechkin’s continued threat on the ice, Crosby said “he’s still as dangerous as ever.”

Ovechkin also addressed the fans who have supported him throughout his career.

“You guys love me. I love you guys,” he said in his message to supporters.

Washington’s home opener is Wednesday, October 7, against Crosby’s Penguins at Capital One Arena. Capitals’ home-opener announcement