Alex Ovechkin Makes Retirement Stance Clear Entering Contract Year

Alex Ovechkin's Production Remains Elite

Despite his age, Ovechkin remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous scorers. Last season, he scored 44 goals and 73 points, ranking third in the league in the former category, in only 65 games.

Ovechkin also reached a historic milestone in April, scoring his 895th career goal to surpass Wayne Gretzky for the all-time NHL record.

The veteran now sits at 897 goals, just three away from becoming the first player to reach 900. He also enters the season nine games shy of 1,500 career appearances and 19 points away from passing Joe Sakic for 10th on the all-time scoring list.

• Ovechkin is the NHL’s all‑time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 894-goal mark with his 895th goal on April 6.
• Outpaced Gretzky by matching his record two games earlier, tying 894 goals against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4.
• Recorded 44 goals in the 2024‑25 regular season playing at age 39, ranking tied for third in the NHL, despite missing time with a broken fibula.
• Extended his record number of 40‑goal seasons to 14, becoming only the second player ever (Gordie Howe) to post a 40‑goal season at age 39 or older.
• Set the NHL record for most game-winning goals (136-plus), surpassing Jaromir Jagr.
• Achieved his 20th consecutive 20‑goal season, joining Gordie Howe as the only members of the 20-20 club.

Ovechkin's Future Plans Beyond the NHL

Speaking to Russian outlet Sport-Express, as translated by Google, Ovechkin already dismissed rumors of his possible retirement in July.

“Of course [there is no date set for his retirement],” Ovechkin said. “This is pure nonsense.”

While Ovechkin is not focused on retirement for now, the Russian sniper has outlined what he might do after his playing days. He said his post-career goal is to return to Moscow, where he hopes to open a sports academy and memorabilia museum.

“I want to pass on my experience to young people and inspire them to play sports,” Ovechkin said. He added that if his sons Sergei, 7, and Ilya, 5, decide not to pursue hockey, that will be their choice.

“The main thing is that they have their own desire," Ovechkin said. "If they want to play hockey, they will do it; if not, no one will insist.”