Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin announced Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his final year in the NHL, bringing one of the most accomplished careers in hockey history into its final season.
Ovechkin, who turned 41 in September, made the announcement 21 years to the day after making his NHL debut with Washington. He told his teammates Monday morning before sharing a letter with fans. “My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin wrote. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.”
Ovechkin said it was important to make the announcement before the Capitals’ first home game so he could spend the season thanking the fans, teammates and others who have been part of his career. Washington will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday in its home opener. “I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special,” Ovechkin said. “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 was selected by Washington with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft and has spent his entire NHL career with the Capitals. He led Washington to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship in 2018 and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason.
In April 2025, Ovechkin passed Wayne Gretzky’s longtime record of 894 career regular-season goals to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. He entered his 22nd NHL season with 929 goals and has also scored 77 postseason goals.
His career accomplishments include three Hart Memorial Trophies as NHL MVP, an Art Ross Trophy, three Ted Lindsay Awards and an NHL-record nine Maurice Richard Trophies as the league’s leading goal scorer. He also won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie following his first season.
Ovechkin has also become the longest-tenured athlete in Washington, D.C. professional sports history. When he made his season debut Friday, he surpassed Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson, who spent 21 seasons with the franchise from 1907 through 1927.
Ovechkin told his teammates Monday that while the decision is emotional, he wants the Capitals to make the most of his final season.“It’s sad, but it is what it is,” Ovechkin said. “It’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special things this year.”
