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Capitals Say Thursday's Alex Ovechkin Email Is Not Accurate

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 29, 2025 4:02 PM ET

The Washington Capitals shut down a story surfacing on social media about Alex Ovechkin's retirement plans.

On Thursday morning, Tony Wolak of The Hockey Writers shared a screenshot from an alleged email the Capitals sent to season-ticket holders. The message referred to the 2025-26 campaign as Ovechkin's "final NHL season."

However, Capitals fans shouldn't prepare for a farewell tour just yet. The team confirmed that Ovechkin has yet to decide his future plans.

"No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin’s future following the 2025-26 NHL season," the Capitals said in a statement posted on social media. "An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin's final year."

Sammi Silber of The Hockey News first confirmed that the email wasn't accurate. Silber also debunked a false Facebook story that claimed Ovechkin would play in Russia next season.

"Neither Washington nor Ovechkin has officially announced anything confirming this, though he intends to play out the final year of his contract," Silber wrote. "At breakdown day, president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan even said he wouldn't rule anything out when it came to No. 8 regarding a potential extension."

Last month, Ovechkin confirmed that he's "not retiring" after the 2024-25 season. He'll return for his 21st season with the Capitals, but his plans for 2026 and beyond remain unclear.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Boston Bruins in the first period in Game Five of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on May 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

Ovechkin, who turns 40 in September, recently discussed his uncertain future on The Pat McAfee Show.

"Well, I have one more year, and we'll see what's gonna happen," Ovechkin said in April. "I love the team, I love being around the boys, and as long as I can, I will try to stick around and put my great body in the NHL. So we'll see."

Ovechkin has little left to prove on the ice. The 12-time All-Star and three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner passed Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's all-time leading scorer.

Yet Ovechkin continues to play at a high level. He led the Capitals with 44 goals in 65 games this season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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