Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin Reveals Key Factor in Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 11:42 AM ET

The Washington Capitals are playing out the final stretch of the 2025-26 season with 17 games remaining in their schedule and still having some postseason hope, sitting five points outside of the wild-card seeds.

Alex Ovechkin, now in his 21st NHL season, is in the final season of his five-year, $47.5 million contract and will turn 41 before the start of next season.

Despite his age, Ovechkin has 24 goals and 26 assists in 65 games this season and 921 goals and 752 assists in 1,556 career games through Tuesday.

Ahead of the nationally televised matchup against the Boston Bruins played on Saturday, Ovechkin sat down with former teammate T.J. Oshie and addressed what will determine his decision to retire and leave the game he's played for more than two decades.

“When it comes time for you to hang them up, what are the factors that will go into your decision?” Oshie asked.

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

“How my body gonna feel,” Ovechkin said. “Because right now, hockey is so hard, it’s so fast. I’m 40, and it’s hard to keep up with young guys. You know? But most important thing is health-wise. I don’t wanna be like, I don’t wanna play hockey, and then after one or two years, my knee or my elbow or my back is gonna be hurting. So I’m not gonna feel comfortable for the rest of my life. So I have to be smart about it.”

Ovechkin fractured his left fibula on Nov. 18, 2024, and missed 16 games, one of the most serious injuries of his career.

The winger is one of only four active players age 40 or older, but his production is still great league-wide compared to that of much younger forwards across the NHL.

“I still love the game,” Ovechkin said. “I still enjoy come here in the locker room, like hang out with the boys.”

The Capitals next face the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

More must-reads: