Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ longtime captain and the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, announced that the 2026-27 season will be his final campaign in professional hockey. The 41-year-old forward, who is in his 22nd season with the Capitals, informed his teammates of the decision on Monday before the team publicly shared the news.

Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record in April 2025 and entered this season with 929 career goals. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Capitals since being drafted first overall in 2004. Over that period, he has led Washington to 16 playoff appearances and their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, cementing his status as one of the franchise’s most iconic players and the longest-tenured professional athlete in the D.C. area.

In his locker room address, Ovechkin acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the announcement. “It’s sad, but it is what it is,” he said. “It’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special things this year.” He encouraged both younger and veteran players to savor the moments throughout the season as the team aims to make the playoffs.

After becoming a free agent for the first time in his career this past summer, Ovechkin considered stepping away from the game but ultimately chose to return for one last year. He signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million with the Capitals, reiterating that this would be his farewell season. Throughout the offseason, Washington added key players—such as forwards Boone Jenner and Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman Vincent Desharnais—to bolster their roster following a missed playoff appearance last season. Ovechkin expressed a strong desire to contribute to a deeper playoff run while closing out his career.

The Capitals began the season with a 1-1 record, with Ovechkin’s ice time limited early on due to a lower-body injury suffered during the preseason. He has said he plans to live in Russia after retiring from hockey. Ovechkin has also attracted some controversy because of his public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a fact that has occasionally drawn attention throughout his career.

Despite any off-ice distractions or physical challenges, Ovechkin emphasized his intent to relish the experience of his final year. “It seems like yesterday I was here in my first year,” he reflected. “Time flies. Let’s have fun and enjoy the moment.” His announcement was timed ahead of the Capitals’ home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, allowing him to properly thank fans, teammates, and others who have supported his journey.