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Is Ovechkin Not Retiring?: Waves Off On-Ice Goodbye

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 10:43 AM ET

The way Alex Ovechkin waved off Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night, you’d think the Washington Capitals superstar was going to play until he’s 50. At least, that’s what some fans are hoping the gesture meant when the Great 8 waved off the Penguins and didn’t want to take part in a formal handshake line.

After the game between the Capitals and Penguins, Crosby and company stayed on the ice as fans showered Ovechkin with praise. Almost everyone in the building assumed this was Ovechkin’s final home game, and the Penguins wanted to show respect by shaking hands. He told them to take a hike.

Most fans don’t believe this was a showing of disrespect. This wasn’t Ovechkin saying this was a moment for him and his Capitals teammates and that the Penguins should scram. Instead, many believe this was about Ovechkin not being ready to call it a career.

And, if both teams — and specifically Ovechkin and Crosby — said official on-ice goodbyes, it might make it tougher for Ovechkin to return next season.

There were goodbyes off ice after the game, with Ovechkin signing sticks for Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. There were also photos taken with family and kids. In many ways, it felt like a farewell. Still, Ovechkin hasn’t officially said this will be his last season. He’s not ready to announce anything. And, technically, the Capitals aren’t out of the playoff race. The odds are slim, but there’s still a chance they get in.

Ovechkin May Have More Left In Him

Fans get it. Many were suggesting Ovechkin can’t retire. He just scored 32 goals at age 40. He’s still playing at an elite level. While he said he wanted to talk to his family before deciding and that health was a factor, there’s every reason to believe he can play a couple more seasons. Why not go for 1,000 goals!

After the game, Ovi was asked about the “one more year” chants from Capitals fans. “I will think about it,” he said.

What does it mean that Ovechkin refused to say a final goodbye to Crosby and the Penguins? Nothing? Did he not want to make a big show of it? Or, is he planning to return and play the Penguins again, holding off on those goodbyes for another day?

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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