Alex Ovechkin announces start of NHL farewell retirement tour

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Alex Ovechkin announces start of NHL farewell retirement tour

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 12:36 PM ET

Alex Ovechkin is calling it quits. That is, after the 2026-27 NHL season. Via the Washington Capitals’ official social media account (and on NHL.com), the superstar announced that this season will be his last in the NHL.

The announcement came before the team’s first home game of his 22nd NHL season. In a note to fans, Ovechkin said:

“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision. It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career.”

He closed with, “See you Wednesday, babes!”

Alex Ovechkin announces this will be his final #NHL season. From #ALLCAPS: pic.twitter.com/Naem06Kh1t
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin’s Final Season: Milestones Within Reach

Ovechkin signed a one-year, $4.25 million extension for 2026-27, and many suspected it might be his last. Some reports suggested he was unsure about returning at all, but roster changes made one more run with Washington appealing.

He enters the season as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, having broken Wayne Gretzky‘s record in April 2025. As he begins his farewell year, Ovechkin has several major milestones in sight.

He is 11 goals shy of passing Wayne Gretzky (1,016) for the most combined regular-season and playoff goals in NHL history.
He needs 12 points to reach 1,700 career points.
He is 36 points from passing Mario Lemieux for 9th-most points in NHL history.
One more 20-goal season would tie Gordie Howe (22) for the most in league history.
He is 33 games from passing Patrick Marleau (1,607) for the second-most games played with a single franchise in NHL history.
He needs 4 assists to pass Nicklas Backstrom (762) for the most assists in Capitals history.
He is 25 games shy of 1,600 career games.

Why is He Retiring?

Beyond having a fantastic NHL career, this summer was particularly noisy when it came to Ovechkin. He took several extra weeks to decide if he was coming back, waiting until the Capitals had signed other players like Alex Tuch and acquired Jordan Kyrou. Many wondered if he would hang up his skates this summer.

Then came the scrutiny over his ties to Vladimir Putin. Backlash resurfaced in September after he appeared in a United Russia campaign ad.

It’s unclear whether that played a role in his decision, as he didn’t address it in his statement. It also remains unknown whether he plans to leave hockey or finish his career in Russia, as has long been speculated.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: