Alex Ovechkin has told the Washington Capitals that the 2026-27 campaign, his 22nd in the NHL, will be his final season.
Ovechkin delivers retirement message to Capitals room
The Capitals captain announced his decision in a video shared Monday, choosing to tell his teammates before the news spread beyond the club.
Ovechkin, the NHL’s career goals leader with 929, acknowledged the emotion of the moment while asking Washington’s group to turn its attention to the season ahead.
- Ovechkin said this will be his last NHL season.
- He called it an important message for both himself and his family to share first with teammates.
- Washington has all 82 regular-season games remaining.
- His immediate target is clear: get the Capitals into the playoffs and make the year count.
A captain’s message: enjoy the room and chase something special
“Good morning, guys. This is going to be my last year,” Ovechkin said. “I’m pretty sure it’s the right time for me. For my family, it was very important that you guys hear it first.”
He told the room the decision was sad, but said the team should not let the farewell season become a distraction. Ovechkin pointed to Washington’s roster and urged the club to enjoy the chance in front of it.
“We have an unbelievable team this year and 82 games left,” he said. “Let’s make the playoffs, have fun and enjoy the moment, because time flies.”
Twenty-two seasons in a flash
The 929-goal scorer also spoke directly to the younger players in the Capitals dressing room, as well as the veterans who understand how quickly NHL seasons and careers move.
Ovechkin said he still remembers arriving for his first season in Washington and described the passage from that opening year to Year 22 as happening in an instant.
“For young guys in their first year, or experienced guys, enjoy the time,” Ovechkin said. “It feels like yesterday that I was here for my first year, and now it’s my 22nd. It goes like this.”
Washington now heads into the full 82-game slate with its captain’s final NHL run set as the backdrop. Ovechkin’s charge to the club was simple: savor the season and try to do something special together.
