Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin opens up about his decision to retire after the 2026-27 season
Alex Ovechkin has recently opened up about his decision to hang up his boots from the NHL following the 2027-28 season. Ovechkin confirmed that he and his family have made this decision together. The Washington Capitals captain announced on Monday that the current campaign will be the final season of his prolific career in the NHL.
He made the announcement ahead of the Washington Capitals' opening game, giving him an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who have supported him endlessly throughout his career. Earlier, Ovechkin was reported for suffering from lower-body injury, however, he opened the game against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 2, 2026. According to the NHL, Ovechkin had a commendable season, recording 32 goals, 32 assists, and 64 points in 82 games for the Washington Capitals during the 2025–26 NHL regular season.
Alex Ovechkin to retire from NHL following the 2026-27 season, ending his 22-year NHL career
from the NHL following the 2027-28 season. The Washington Capitals captain announced on Monday that the current campaign will be the final season of his legendary 22-year NHL career. Ovechkin stated that, exactly 21 years to the day he made his NHL debut, that this season will be his last, a choice he made with his family as he pondered his future and the ever-changing league.
Announcing the same, he stated, "Me and my wife talk about it, I have to heal my body as well. How I said, I'm not 20 years old, and I want to play with my kids when they growing up. Go play hockey, play soccer, play basketball, and I want to be healthy enough to do that kind of stuff.”
Ovechkin further added, "I have lots of messages, lots of phone calls and it's hard. It's hard decision for me, but I have to look in the future and I have to be able to play with the kids and be healthy and do little things.”
Speaking about his decision, Ovechkin emphasized that he still loves hockey and is enjoying his time on the ice. However, he believes the decision to step away is the right one for himself and his family.
The 41-year-old veteran is entering his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract with the Capitals. He will now spend the season enjoying what could be his final run with the franchise where he has spent his entire NHL career.
According to the NHL, Ovechkin was instrumental in helping the Capitals knock off the Penguins in six games in the second round that season. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs after they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the Stanley Cup Final. So far, the Capitals captain has scored 929 goals, breaking an NHL record many thought was unreachable, leaving an indelible mark in the history of the league.
As the end approaches, meanwhile, Ovechkin wants to remain focused on the Capitals' goals for the season. With the Washington hoping to return to the playoffs, the veteran captain will look to make his final campaign a memorable one.
He made the announcement ahead of the Washington Capitals' opening game, giving him an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who have supported him endlessly throughout his career. Earlier, Ovechkin was reported for suffering from lower-body injury, however, he opened the game against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 2, 2026. According to the NHL, Ovechkin had a commendable season, recording 32 goals, 32 assists, and 64 points in 82 games for the Washington Capitals during the 2025–26 NHL regular season.
Alex Ovechkin to retire from NHL following the 2026-27 season, ending his 22-year NHL career
from the NHL following the 2027-28 season. The Washington Capitals captain announced on Monday that the current campaign will be the final season of his legendary 22-year NHL career. Ovechkin stated that, exactly 21 years to the day he made his NHL debut, that this season will be his last, a choice he made with his family as he pondered his future and the ever-changing league.
Announcing the same, he stated, "Me and my wife talk about it, I have to heal my body as well. How I said, I'm not 20 years old, and I want to play with my kids when they growing up. Go play hockey, play soccer, play basketball, and I want to be healthy enough to do that kind of stuff.”
Ovechkin further added, "I have lots of messages, lots of phone calls and it's hard. It's hard decision for me, but I have to look in the future and I have to be able to play with the kids and be healthy and do little things.”
Speaking about his decision, Ovechkin emphasized that he still loves hockey and is enjoying his time on the ice. However, he believes the decision to step away is the right one for himself and his family.
The 41-year-old veteran is entering his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract with the Capitals. He will now spend the season enjoying what could be his final run with the franchise where he has spent his entire NHL career.
According to the NHL, Ovechkin was instrumental in helping the Capitals knock off the Penguins in six games in the second round that season. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs after they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the Stanley Cup Final. So far, the Capitals captain has scored 929 goals, breaking an NHL record many thought was unreachable, leaving an indelible mark in the history of the league.
As the end approaches, meanwhile, Ovechkin wants to remain focused on the Capitals' goals for the season. With the Washington hoping to return to the playoffs, the veteran captain will look to make his final campaign a memorable one.
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