The Washington captain will retire after 22 seasons in the league, citing family plans and a desire to protect his health.
Alex Ovechkin will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season. The Washington Capitals captain announced the decision on Oct. 5, the 21st anniversary of his league debut. The team confirmed the coming campaign will be the Russian forward’s last.
“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin said. He added that he loves hockey and believes the decision is right. In comments to RBC, he also spoke of listening to his body and wanting more time with his children.
Ovechkin has played for Washington since 2005 and helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2018. He holds the NHL regular-season goals record with 929. In July, he signed a one-year contract covering the 2026-27 season.
The NHL lists Ovechkin at age 41. He has scored 1,006 goals in the regular season and playoffs combined, leaving him 10 short of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 1,016.