Alex Ovechkin Addresses Retirement Question Amid 21st NHL Season

David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin Addresses Retirement Question Amid 21st NHL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 11:09 AM ET

The Washington Capitals are nearing the end of their regular season with Stanley Cup Playoffs hopes dwindling by the day, and already facing questions about the future of the franchise and its longtime captain.

At 40 years old and nearing the end of his current contract, Alex Ovechkin remains one of the biggest NHL superstars and the clear icon of the current era of Capitals hockey.

Ovechkin has four games remaining on the five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed in 2021, assuming the Capitals' season ends with the team outside of the postseason picture. Still, he's yet to decide what's next for him and his career, and his ultimate call will also shape the franchise's direction.

In an interview with Monumental Sports Networks' John Walton published on Wednesday, Ovechkin revealed that he is not ready to make that decision yet.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) looks on during a stoppage of play.Amber Searls-Imagn Images

“No, not yet,” Ovechkin said when asked if he's already decided on returning or retiring. “We’re going to make a decision in the summer. I have to talk with Ted (Leonsis), with (general manager Chris Patrick), with Mac (president hockey operations Brian MacLellan), and I have to make a decision in the summer.”

The delay reflects a process that will include both family and team leadership.

“We’re going to make a decision in the summer,” Ovechkin said. “I have to talk to my family, with Ted (Leonsis), with CP (general manager Chris Patrick), Mac (president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan), and we have to make a decision in the summer.”

Ovechkin pointed to a key factor that will weigh heavily on his ultimate call.

“Health-wise, I’m going to be 41 years old in September, so you just have to be smart about it,” Ovechkin said.

Alex Ovechkin sat down with John Walton to discuss his plans to take time after the season to reflect and consult with his family before determining his future this summer.

Catch their full conversation tonight on Caps Pregame Live on @MonSportsNet pic.twitter.com/J9jAKL5HJE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 8, 2026

Ovechkin could retire from professional hockey after playing 21 NHL seasons, all with Washington. He could also sign a new contract with the Capitals.

Another viable path for him could be leaving the NHL to return to Russia and finish his career with Dynamo Moscow, a possibility he has referenced in the past.

Ovechkin has continued to produce at a high level this season, leading the Capitals with 31 goals while notching 61 points overall through 78 games, reaching the 30-goal mark for the 20th time in his career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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