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Alex Ovechkin Makes Unexpected Update on His Retirement

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 3:41 PM ET

Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's new all-time leading goal scorer, has only a year left on his contract, and he recently spoke in Russia about what his future NHL plans are.

Washington Capitals captain and future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin is now officially the new leading goal scorer in NHL history, overtaking the mark of 894 goals previously set by Wayne Gretzky.

But he also has only a single year left on his contract, and he'll be 40 by the time the new season starts.

Capitals fans and hockey fans worldwide are wondering about his future plans in the NHL, given his age and current contract situation, especially after his spouse appeared to hint that he and the family would be returning to Russia after his last year with the Capitals.

Ovechkin recently also downplayed rumors of his potential impending retirement from the NHL.

Via the Russian outlet Senchenko, Ovechkin said that negotiations on a new deal haven't taken place yet, and that he plans to play out the year and then see how he feels.

We are not in negotiations yet. Would I like to stay at the club? A year will pass, and we will think about it. We will live and see.

Ovechkin has played his entire NHL career with the Capitals, helping them to the franchise's 1st and only Stanley Cup in 2018. Coincidentally, that was the only time that he and the Capitals have been past the 2nd round of the postseason since their run in 1998 to the SCF.

Regardless of how much longer Ovechkin plays in the NHL, his No. 8 sweater will hang from the rafters in Washington DC forever.

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

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