Capitals Lightning Hockey
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) looks to shoot against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and defenseman Victor Hedman (77) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Fla.
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Washington Capitals captain and career goal-scoring record holder Alex Ovechkin said this will be his final season in the NHL. Ovechkin said it was important to his family to let his fellow teammates know first. He signed a one-year contract and is playing at age 41 after breaking Wayne Gretzky's career goal-scoring record in April 2025. Ovechkin in his locker room address said it was sad and a hard decision but hopes the Capitals can make the playoffs one final time with him playing. He wanted to make the announcement before the home opener Wednesday.
