Washington Capitals forward Dylan Strome addressed the swirling speculation about Alex Ovechkin’s future during a recent charity golf event, dismissing claims that the 2024-25 season will be the legendary winger’s retirement year. Despite Ovechkin entering the final year of his contract, Strome emphasized that predicting his departure is premature and uncertain.
Ovechkin, known as one of the NHL’s most prolific goal scorers, has yet to confirm whether he will hang up his skates after this upcoming campaign. His teammates, including Strome, have expressed skepticism toward the widespread assumption that this will mark the end of his illustrious career.
Ovechkin’s Contract Situation and Career Milestones
At 39 years old, Alex Ovechkin is embarking on the concluding year of his five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Capitals, which began in 2021. Even with his age approaching 40, Ovechkin remains a dominant force on the ice. During the 2024-25 season, he reached a historic milestone by scoring his 897th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
When questioned about his plans, Ovechkin told Russian media outlet RIA Novosti,
“Anything’s possible. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes either.”
He also described speculation regarding his retirement as pure nonsense.
Why Strome’s Insight on Ovechkin’s Future Holds Weight
Dylan Strome’s viewpoint is especially significant due to his close on-ice relationship with Ovechkin, having centered Ovechkin’s line for much of the previous season. This role gave Strome a first-hand look at the captain’s physical condition and determination. Strome credits playing alongside Ovechkin for his own career-best statistics, including 29 goals, 53 assists, and 82 points.
Reflecting on the experience, Strome shared,
“It’s been an honor to play with him and still is. He’s obviously had a storybook career, and he’s obviously had a positive effect on mine.”
Support from Fellow Teammates on Ovechkin’s Longevity
Other Capitals players also believe Ovechkin is far from finished. Veteran teammate Tom Wilson echoed Strome’s confidence in the captain’s ability to keep performing at a high level.
Wilson remarked,
“You can never doubt the guy. He could play two, three more years. He’s a guy who loves to score. He loves the game of hockey.”
He added,
“We’ll see what happens. He’s going to knock down 900 [goals] and then start chipping away at the next milestone.”
Ovechkin is just three goals away from the unprecedented 900-goal mark, a feat no NHL player has ever reached. Approaching 1,500 career games adds to his legacy and could serve as motivation to continue competing.
The Uncertain Future of a Hockey Legend
While retirement speculation continues, Ovechkin himself remains focused on the season ahead without committing to any plans. According to the captain, no contract extension discussions have occurred, leaving his future undecided for now.
The Capitals begin the 2025-26 season on October 8 against the Boston Bruins, a matchup that will draw attention to whether Ovechkin’s career is entering its final chapter or if he will further extend his time on the ice. Their captain’s next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, making this season one of the most pivotal moments in modern NHL history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Alex Ovechkin missing a tooth?
A. Alexander Ovechkin, who leads the Washington Capitals as captain, often loses some teeth but never gets them repaired.