This is Alex Ovechkin’s swan song, and he’s hoping to go out on top.
The Washington Capitals legend, who is the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer, announced Monday that he will retire at the end of the 2026-27 NHL season, which is 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,” he told his teammates in the locker room Monday morning, as seen 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. For young guys who, first year or experienced guys, remember that moment and enjoy that time.
“It seems like yesterday I was here my first year and right now this is my 22nd year. It goes like this [snaps fingers.]
“It’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special thing this year.”
Ovechkin’s teammates gave him a round of applause when he was done speaking.
In a separate statement released by the team, Ovechkin — who led the Capitals to their first and only Stanley Cup win in 2017-18 — said he decided with his family over the summer that he’d retire at season’s end.
“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 wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. 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 goals record in April 2025 against the Islanders and currently has 929 career regular-season goals, along with 759 assists. He has nine 50-goal seasons and 14 40-goal seasons.
His 77 career playoff goals are 12th-most all-time. If the Capitals were to make the playoffs this season (they did not last season) he could get into the top-10, as he trails 11th-place Jaromir Jagr by one and 10th-place Jean Beliveau by two.
Ovechkin’s prolific career has been pockmarked by his support for Russian president Vladimir Putin. That came under scrutiny last month after he appeared in a Putin campaign video.
“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 Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin said: “I’m not in politics. I can’t say who’s right and who’s wrong.”
