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Alex Ovechkin Reveals Major Factor Behind Potential NHL Career Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 4:39 PM ET

Alex Ovechkin has reached another historic milestone, playing his 1,500th NHL game, all with the Washington Capitals. He played that game against the Ottawa Senators, which ended in a 7–1 loss. The 40-year-old captain remains one of hockey’s most enduring figures, with 899 career goals and 731 assists for 1,630 points.

Yet, as his record-breaking career continues, Ovechkin has begun to reflect on what could ultimately lead him to step away from the game.

In an interview with ESPN’s Emily Kaplan before the Capitals faced the Dallas Stars, Ovechkin spoke candidly about his future and the key factor that will determine when he retires.

“Most important thing is health,” Ovechkin said. “I don’t want to play hockey and then, like, when I’m retired, like, I don’t want– like, I can’t play soccer with my kids or I can't skate with them."

But before Ovechkin decides to hang up his skates, he is going to soak up the support from the crowd.

"Right now, I just want to take as much energy from the crowd. You have to enjoy the moment.” Ovechkin said.

"When will you know when it’s time to hang 'em up?"@emilymkaplan sat down with Alex Ovechkin, who could score goal No. 900 tonight

Capitals-Stars | 8:30 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/S6ETzS3X9F
— ESPN (@espn) October 28, 2025

Though Ovechkin is in the final year of his five-year, $47.5 million contract, he hasn’t decided whether this will be his last NHL season.

“I don’t know. Do you know?” Ovechkin said in September during training camp. “I don’t know if this is going to be the last or if [not]. We’ll see.”

Despite his age, Ovechkin remains productive, starting the 2025-26 season with two goals and five assists for seven points in ten games. When asked what still motivates him, the NHL’s all-time goals leader was clear.

“I still love the game. I still have passion," Ovechkin said. "You just enjoy it because you never know when you’re going to get hurt or when you’re going to be retired.”

As he chases his 900th goal, a mark no player has ever reached, Ovechkin continues to captivate fans with the same energy as in his rookie season two decades ago.

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

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