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Alex Ovechkin Makes It Official: 2026-27 Will Be His Final NHL Season

It took Alex Ovechkin a long time to decide whether or not he’d return for a 22nd NHL season in 2026-27, though that won’t be the case when it comes to him playing again in 2027-28.

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 4:02 PM
Alex Ovechkin Makes It Official: 2026-27 Will Be His Final NHL Season
Key Things to Know
  • Alex Ovechkin announced that the 2026-27 season will be his final year in the NHL.
  • Ovechkin informed his Washington Capitals teammates of his retirement decision two games into his 22nd season.
  • The 41-year-old signed a one-year contract extension worth $4.25 million with up to $4.75 million in bonuses in July.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates on Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his final year in the NHL. Speaking just two games into the new campaign, the 41-year-old confirmed that he will retire at the end of his 22nd NHL season, urging his teammates to enjoy the moment and aim for a playoff run.

In July, Ovechkin signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract extension with the Capitals that includes up to $4.75 million in performance bonuses. The league's all-time leading goal scorer has recorded one assist through the first two games of the season.

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