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I'd Be Careful': Insider Drops Bold Statement on Alex Ovechkin's Future

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 11:02 AM ET

Alex Ovechkin's future is up in the air, and according to Frank Seravalli, all bets are off with the Capitals captain, as he could do anything in hockey beyond 2026.

At 39-years of age (40 when the 2025/26 season begins), Alex Ovechkin could retire today and be known as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, but as of right now, he plans to play on.

However, beyond the 2025/26 campaign? According to top NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, anything could happen, with the legendary Russian potentially playing on in the NHL, returning home to the KHL or even retiring, with all options being explored by the star forward.

I'd say be careful if you're putting any predictions on what Ovechkin will do next, I could see him continuing to play; go back and play in Russia; retiring; the world is his oyster; I am not going to be making any predictions.

After an iconic career that dates back to 2005/06 with the Capitals, Ovechkin has earned the right and the respect to call his shots over his future, and while many believe he wants to play in Russia again at some point, he showed this past season with 44 goals that he's got plenty left in the tank.

This past season he also passed Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record in the NHL, as he now sits just three goals shy of 897, and if he has another solid season in 2025/26, there's no reason why he can't keep going and push for 950 regular season goals in his career.

Ultimately, no one but Ovechkin knows what his future holds in hockey, and whether it's Russia, another shot at the Stanley Cup in Washington or riding off into the sunset, whatever happens, we'll one day look back on Ovi as an all-time great in the NHL who has earned the right to do whatever he wants moving forward.

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

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