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Alex Ovechkin Boldly Shuts Down Retirement Rumours in New Interview: 'Pure Nonsense'

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Aaron Itovitch | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 11:06 PM ET

Alex Ovechkin has been widely expected to retire following the 2025-26 NHL season with the Washington Capitals, after comments from his wife Nastya.

A truly generational player, Ovechkin is the NHL record holder for goals scored, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky's 894 late last season. His 1491 games played have also featured over 700 assists, netting him a truly wild 1623 points.

With the record being broken, Ovechkin's wife, Nastya, took to the media to say he would be returning to his home country next year.

However, Ovechkin confirmed himself today that those rumours are 'pure nonsense' in an interview with SportsExpress.ru (translated from Russian):

Many say that next season will be your last in the NHL. Your wife has already confirmed it.
Ovechkin: And how did she confirm? She said, maybe we will come and play in Russia. But anything is possible.

- The date was not announced?

Ovechkin: Of course. This is pure nonsense, which you guys are starting to turn over and put Nastya in such a position. We'll see.

- So you admit that you will continue?

Ovechkin: Anything is possible.

With this now known, we will see just how far Alex Ovechkin can push the NHL goal record. He also has the NHL all-time hits record in sight, only 287 away from passing longtime New York Islander Cal Clutterbuck.

When it's all said and done, Ovechkin has been one of the greatest players of all time, and the league certainly won't be the same without him in it.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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