Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin, who has scored the most goals in NHL history, announced Monday that this will be his final season before retiring.
Ovechkin, 41, told his teammates the news in a video posted on the Capitals’ social media accounts. The announcement came after reporting that he was considering retirement this past offseason.
“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision,” Ovechkin said in a statement. “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, 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.
“I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career.”
Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leader on April 6, 2025 when he scored his 895th career regular-season goal, passing Wayne Gretzky. He’s also the all-time leader in power-play goals (331), game-winning goals (141), overtime goals (27), road goals (476), game-opening goals (154), game-tying goals (155), go-ahead goals (297), 40-goal seasons (14), 30-goal seasons (20) and is tied for first in 50-goal seasons (nine).
Ovechkin has 1,688 career points (929 goals, 759 assists) in 1,575 games for the Capitals, the 10th-most points in NHL history.
He’s 11 goals away from passing Gretzky for most total goals (regular season and playoffs combined) in NHL history and four assists away from passing Nicklas Backstrom for the franchise career assists record (762).
He led Washington to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship in 2018 and became the longest-tenured athlete in Washington sports history when he began his 22nd season last week, passing Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson (1907-27).
Ovechkin has one assist through the Capitals’ first two games of the season. He’ll play his final home opener Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who also have a player in his 22nd season with the same team, Sidney Crosby.
