Ovechkin announces his 22nd NHL season will be his last

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's career goals leader, has announced he will retire at the end of the 2026-27 season.

• Ovechkin told his teammates of his decision before the Capitals posted his message on social media.
• He entered his 22nd season with 929 goals after breaking Wayne Gretzky's record in April 2025.
• Ovechkin said it was "the right decision" and confirmed he will return to live in Russia after retiring.
• The 41-year-old signed a one-year contract this summer, ahead of the Capitals' home opener Wednesday.