Alex Ovechkin announces final NHL season with Washington Capitals
7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 5, 2026, 3:50 PM
Last updated Oct 5, 2026
Alex Ovechkin announced to his Washington Capitals teammates that the 2026-27 season will be his last in the NHL. The 41-year-old forward made the announcement in a team meeting, expressing the importance of sharing this news with his fellow players first. Ovechkin is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, a milestone he reached in April 2025 when he surpassed Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals. He began his career in 2005 with the Capitals after being selected first overall in the NHL Draft. His decision to retire comes as he enters his 22nd season, having scored 929 regular-season goals and aiming to make the final season special for his family and fans before he hangs up his skates after this campaign.
- •Ovechkin tells teammates it's his final NHL season.
- •He is the all-time leader in goals with 929.
- •Ovechkin's last season is expected to showcase his legacy.
- •He aims to make this year special for his family and fans.
- •Capitals' first home game is on October 7.
- 4:19 PMESPN — 'Times Fly': Capitals' Ovechkin to retire at end of season
- 3:44 PMYahoo Sports — Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals upcoming season will be his last in NHL
- 3:38 PMYahoo Sports — Alex Ovechkin finally makes clear retirement decision amid age-41 season with Capitals
- 3:15 PMYahoo Sports — Alex Ovechkin announces that 2026-27 campaign will be final season of Capitals legend's illustrious NHL career
- 3:09 PMYahoo Sports — Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin suddenly announces retirement plans
- 3:08 PMYahoo Sports — Alex Ovechkin tells his Washington Capitals teammates this is his final NHL season
"(AP) — Alex Ovechkin told his Washington Capitals teammates that this will be his final season in the NHL.In a video posted by the team on social media, Ovechkin said it was important to his family to let his fellow players know first.
"Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that the 2026-27 season will be the last of his career.
"In a statement released on Washington's social media pages on Monday morning, Ovechkin announced his plans to retire,
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 5, 2026, 4:19 PM'Times Fly': Capitals' Ovechkin to retire at end of season
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin announced Monday that this will be his final season in the NHL.
- Yahoo SportsOct 5, 2026, 3:44 PMCapitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals upcoming season will be his last in NHL
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that the 2026-27 season will be the last of his career.
- Yahoo SportsOct 5, 2026, 3:38 PMAlex Ovechkin finally makes clear retirement decision amid age-41 season with Capitals
In a statement released on Washington's social media pages on Monday morning, Ovechkin announced his plans to retire,
- Yahoo SportsOct 5, 2026, 3:15 PMAlex Ovechkin announces that 2026-27 campaign will be final season of Capitals legend's illustrious NHL career
No one has scored more regular season goals in NHL history than Ovechkin.
- Yahoo SportsOct 5, 2026, 3:09 PMCapitals’ Alex Ovechkin suddenly announces retirement plans
The 41-year-old forward has the end in sight.
- Yahoo SportsOct 5, 2026, 3:08 PMAlex Ovechkin tells his Washington Capitals teammates this is his final NHL season
(AP) — Alex Ovechkin told his Washington Capitals teammates that this will be his final season in the NHL.In a video posted by the team on social media, Ovechkin said it was important to his family to let his fellow players know first.
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