Alex Ovechkin Announces Final NHL Season After 22 Years with Emotional Message

Julie MazziottaMon, October 5, 2026 at 4:20 PM UTC

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Alex Ovechkin celebrates a goal in April 2022Credit: John McCreary/NHLI via Getty -

Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday, Oct. 5 that the 2026-2027 season will be his final year in the NHL

The NHL’s all-time leading scorer has 929 goals over his 22 seasons in the league

“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin said

Alex Ovechkin is saying goodbye to the NHL after 22 seasons, he announced in an emotional post.

The Washington Capitals captain, 41, said Monday, Oct. 5 that the current 2026-2027 season will be his last.

“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin wrote in a post shared by the Capitals. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.”

The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer said he wanted to make the announcement before the Capitals’ home opener on Wednesday, Oct. 7, “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.”

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Alex Ovechkin celebrates after becoming the NHL all-time goals leader on April 6, 2025Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty

“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 continued, before ending his message with his signature sign-off. “See you Wednesday, babes!”

The Russian winger will leave the NHL as not only the top goal scorer (he currently has 929 goals over his 22 seasons), but also tenth all-time in points and as the longest-tenured player in D.C. sports history.

In 2018, Ovechkin led the Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.

Ovechkin had considered retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 season, but announced in July he would sign a one-year, $4.25 million deal to return.

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Source: “AOL Sports”