Alex Ovechkin announces this will be his final NHL Season

Alex Ovechkin is set to play his final season in the NHL.

The Washington Capitals captain announced on Monday that the 2026-27 campaign will be his 22nd and last season in the league, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers in hockey history.

Ovechkin said he made the decision with his family and knew in his heart that it was the right time.

The 41-year-old wanted to make the announcement before Washington’s home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday so he could thank the people who have supported him throughout his career.

“It was important to 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,” Ovechkin said.

He also broke the news to his teammates before Monday’s practice.

“It’s sad, but it is what it is,” Ovechkin told them. “Let’s make the playoffs, let’s have fun and enjoy the moment because time flies for young guys.”

Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for career regular-season goals last season, scoring his 895th goal to become the league’s all-time leading goal scorer.

But after 22 seasons, Ovechkin said his priorities have also changed.

“I’m not 20 years old, and I want to play with my kids when they’re growing up — play hockey, play soccer, play basketball,” he said. “I want to be healthy enough to do that kind of stuff.”

For now, though, Ovechkin still has one more season to play.

He made it clear to his teammates that he wants them to enjoy it with him.

“Excited to just play as hard as I can, enjoy the time and have fun,” he said.