Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin continues to chase hockey immortality, but his latest comments suggest his NHL career may soon be coming to an end.
The 38-year-old winger, who scored his 886th career goal on Sunday, is just nine goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. However, in a recent interview with Sport-Express’ Igor Rabiner, Ovechkin hinted that his time with the Capitals—and potentially in the NHL—could conclude when his current contract expires in July 2026.
“I don’t think so,” Ovechkin said when asked if he would sign another extension with Washington.
Long linked to a potential return to his hometown club Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, Ovechkin suggested that finishing his career in Russia remains his most likely path—provided his health allows it.
“Most likely, yes, to Dynamo. If health allows. It’s hard to plan for such a long term now,” he stated.
Ovechkin has hinted at this possibility before. In 2021, he told Russian outlet TASS that rejoining Dynamo Moscow after his Capitals tenure was a real possibility. At the time, however, he remained focused on another Stanley Cup run with Washington.
Ovechkin signed his current five-year, $47.5 million contract in July 2021, three years after leading the Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018. Across 1,474 games with Washington, he has amassed 1,600 points (886 goals, 714 assists), solidifying his legacy as the greatest player in franchise history.
Despite his continued contributions, speculation surrounding his NHL future will only grow as he nears Gretzky’s record. While Capitals fans hold out hope that he’ll stay beyond 2026, Ovechkin’s latest remarks suggest a farewell to Washington—and the NHL—could be on the horizon.