Capitals Captain Ovechkin Announces Final NHL Season

Alex Ovechkin announced Monday, October 5, 2026, that the 2026-27 season will be his last in the NHL. The 41-year-old Washington Capitals captain told teammates in the locker room first, saying it mattered to him and his family; the team posted the video on social media. "It's sad, but it is what it is. It's hard, but let's enjoy it and let's do some special things this year," he said. He also called the roster unbelievable, urged making the playoffs, and noted that time flies. He signed a one-year contract for this season. Drafted first overall by Washington in 2004, Ovechkin won the Calder in 2006, three Hart Trophies, nine Rocket Richard titles, and the 2018 Stanley Cup with playoff MVP. He is the NHL all-time goals leader after passing Wayne Gretzky. ESPN says that record fell in April 2025; Daily Mail says March 2025. A wire summary lists 929 career goals and 1,688 points in 1,575 games. Daily Mail reports he reached 1,000 career goals in mid-March this year, joining Gretzky as the only players to do so.