WASHINGTON

Alex Ovechkin announced his retirement from the NHL following the current season. The Washington Capitals captain informed his teammates of the decision Monday, setting the stage for his final campaign.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin said. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision."

In remarks to the locker room, Ovechkin struck a note of finality mixed with purpose. "It's hard, but let's enjoy it and let's do some special things this year," he said. "We have an unbelievable team this year. Let's make the playoffs, let's have fun and enjoy the moment because times fly."

Ovechkin signed a one-year deal in July worth up to $9 million, with a salary cap hit of $4.25 million. He is eligible for an additional $4.75 million bonus if he appears in 10 games this season. He has recorded one assist through two games.

Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record during the 2024-25 season. He concludes his career with 929 goals and 1,688 points across 1,575 games. Last season he recorded 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games.

Drafted first overall by Washington in 2004, Ovechkin led the Capitals to 10 division titles and three Presidents' Trophies. He won the Stanley Cup in 2018, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with 15 goals and 27 points in 24 games.

His individual honors include three Hart Trophies and three Ted Lindsay Awards (2008, 2009, 2013). He won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy nine times as the league's leading goal scorer, the Art Ross Trophy in 2008 for leading the league in scoring, and the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2006. He received the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2025 and was named one of the NHL's all-time top 100 players in 2017.

Ovechkin represented Russia in three Winter Olympics, finishing fourth in 2006, sixth in 2010, and fifth in 2014. He played in 13 World Championships, winning gold in 2008, 2012, and 2014, silver in 2010 and 2015, and bronze in 2005, 2007, 2015, and 2019.