The Washington Capitals have confirmed that captain and NHL goal leader Alex Ovechkin has not made a decision about his future following the 2025-26 season. The team denied an email sent by its sales department earlier this week that suggested next year would be Ovechkin’s final year in the league.
Ovechkin, 39, finished the regular season with 44 goals, leaving him third in the NHL and nearing Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. The Capitals’ captain signed a five-year contract extension in 2021 worth $9.5 million annually.
Despite speculation about his potential retirement, Ovechkin has not publicly indicated whether he plans to continue playing beyond next season. He is set to enter the final year of his current contract and will decide on his future after that.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6391226/2025/05/29/ovechkin-capitals-final-season-email