Alex Ovechkin, one of hockey’s most iconic figures, has confirmed that he will continue playing in the NHL through the 2025-26 season, continuing his long tenure with the Washington Capitals. As discussions about his retirement swirl, the star forward’s future beyond that season remains unclear, leaving fans and analysts eager to learn his next steps.
The 39-year-old athlete, known for his remarkable goal-scoring record and leadership, is winding down a career that has seen him break multiple NHL milestones, but sources suggest he is not ready to retire just yet.
Insights from Ovechkin and His Family on Retirement Plans
Selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin has played exclusively with the Washington Capitals. His career highlights include surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most career NHL goals—a testament to his enduring skill and consistency. Along with this, he holds records for most empty-net goals, most power-play goals, and most shots on goal, and has been named an All-Star thirteen times.
Ovechkin’s accolades also include winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy the same year, along with three Hart Memorial Trophies and three Ted Lindsay Awards. His impressive resume has solidified his legacy among hockey’s elite.
Despite widespread speculation about his retirement, Ovechkin’s wife, Nastasiya Ovechkina, recently indicated a plan that involves returning to Russia after the 2025-26 season. On May 30, she was quoted by Russian outlet AIF stating,
“Alexander still has a contract for a year,
So we will play the next season, and then fly back to live in Moscow, to our homeland. We will stay in Russia, yes.”
—Nastasiya Ovechkina
Confusion Around Official Statements and Contract Status
This announcement followed an unexpected email from the Capitals’ corporate sales department suggesting the 2025-26 campaign would be Ovechkin’s final season with the team. The message sparked confusion among season-ticket holders and the broader fan community.
Washington Capitals public relations quickly addressed the situation, calling the email message a regrettable mistake and clarifying that no formal decision had been made regarding Ovechkin’s status after the coming season.
Given that Ovechkin’s current contract extends through 2026, speculation continues about whether he will opt for retirement or consider other possibilities within or outside professional hockey.
Ovechkin’s Own Perspective on Playing Beyond 40
While the future remains uncertain, Ovechkin has shown measured pragmatism about his athletic longevity, focusing first on maintaining the physical standards required to compete. He recently remarked,
“For me, it’s first of all to make a roster when 40 years old, you know? I have to pass skating test,”
“It’s one thing, and then we’ll see.”
—Alex Ovechkin
This statement reflects his realistic approach, acknowledging the challenges of staying competitive but leaving open the possibility of continuing beyond the upcoming season.
The Significance of Ovechkin’s Upcoming Decisions
Alex Ovechkin’s status in the NHL is not only tied to personal milestones but also to the Capitals’ future strategy and fan expectations. As one of the greatest goal scorers and leaders in league history, his retirement—or decision to continue—will significantly impact both the team and the broader hockey landscape.
With his contract set to conclude after the 2025-26 season and his family planning a move back to Moscow thereafter, the coming months are likely to bring more clarity about his future. Until then, Ovechkin’s determination to remain on the ice underscores his dedication to the sport and his desire to compete at a high level for as long as possible.