Alex Ovechkin to retire at end of the season
Alex Ovechkin announced on Wednesday, before the Washington Capitals' first home game of the season, that he will retire at the end of the season. The 41-year-old Capitals forward is the NHL's all-time regular-season leading goalscorer.
Ovechkin is playing in his 22nd consecutive NHL season and claimed the regular-season goals record in April 2025 when his 895th career goal surpassed Wayne Gretzky's total. Gretzky had held that mark for 31 years after overtaking Gordie Howe in 1994. Ovechkin has compiled 1,688 career points — 929 goals and 759 assists — in 1,575 games for Washington, which ranks him 10th in NHL career points.
In a statement, Ovechkin said he "loves this game so much" but added that in his "heart it's the right decision" to step away at season's end. He explained the timing of the announcement by saying: "It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game."
Ovechkin paid tribute to those close to him, saying: "Everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them." Those comments accompanied his public farewell to fans and colleagues ahead of the Capitals' home schedule.
Statistically, he remains close to additional milestones: he is 11 goals shy of passing Gretzky for the most total goals when regular season and playoffs are combined, and four assists short of overtaking Nicklas Backstrom for the Capitals' franchise career assists record of 762. He has scored at least 40 goals in 14 of his 21 NHL seasons, an NHL record.
Ovechkin has been a fixture in Washington since making his NHL debut in October 2005 after being selected first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft. He moved from Dynamo Moscow at age 20 and scored twice on his debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he was central to Washington's 2017-18 Stanley Cup triumph. He is widely recognised for his passionate celebrations and a relaxed approach to the dietary regimes common in the modern game, and his image has appeared extensively in league marketing.
Ovechkin said: "I am excited about this season with my team-mates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," and added: "I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career." He will play his first Western Conference home game of the new season on Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Capital One Arena.