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Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Addresses Recent Speculation About His Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 8:36 AM ET

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is entering his final season under contract, and speculation about his upcoming retirement will keep increasing steadily as he approaches the end of his deal.

Ovechkin, however, doesn't sound ready to say goodbye just yet. Not only that, but he fired back at the media for arriving too quickly at conclusions.

Speaking to Russian outlet Sport-Express, as translated by Google, the Capitals captain dismissed rumors of his impending retirement at the end of next season.

The speculation grew following his wife Nastya's comments and the Capitals' email blunder, one that the franchise had to retract from after calling next season Ovechkin's last.

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Speaking to Igor Rabiner of Sport-Express, Ovechkin made it clear that no decision has been made and that he’s still focused on playing beyond his current NHL contract, wherever that is.

"Of course (there is no date set for his retirement)," Ovechkin said. "This is pure nonsense, which you (media) guys are starting to turn over and put Nastya in such a position. We'll see."

Ovechkin hasn’t committed to an NHL extension, but if one were signed, it would almost certainly be with Washington after only playing for the Capitals through his 20-year career.

If not in Washington, a return to Dynamo Moscow, where Ovechkin started his professional career, could be a realistic possibility.

Asked to admit if he will continue playing following the expiration of his current contract with the Capitals, Ovechkin left the door open.

"Anything is possible," Ovechkin said.

For now, Ovechkin is already training with longtime coach Pavel Burlachenko ahead of next season, one in which he will most likely break the 900-goal barrier (he has 897 entering 2025-26) in the NHL after becoming the league's all-time leading goal scorer.

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

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