Capitals' Alex Ovechkin offers strongest hint yet about his future plans

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has not yet made a decision on whether or not he is going to play during the 2026-27 NHL season. Based on the way he talked on Thursday, it sure sounds like he might be leaning toward returning for a 22nd season.

Alex Ovechkin offers hints toward future

Ovechkin said on Thursday that he is "pretty sure" Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets will not be his last game in the NHL.

"To be honest with you, I'm pretty sure it's not my last game. I hope it's not my last game, against Columbus," said Ovechkin, via ESPN. "I have to make a decision to see where we're at. The team, family. The  kids are already asking me, 'Dad, are you staying or no?' And I tell them, 'We'll see.' They want me to come back. They love the city, they  love the team, they love the boys."

Ovechkin has not yet spoken with Capitals general manager Chris Patrick about his future yet.

Following the Capitals' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, which was potentially his last game against longtime rival Sidney Crosby, Penguins players remained on the ice to potentially shake hands with Ovechkin in the event he retires after the season. But Ovechkin quickly waved them off, perhaps a sign that he was not planning on that being his last game against the team. 

Adding to the question is the fact Ovechkin is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if he does want to return that is going to have to come with the Capitals wanting to offer him a new contract. From a PR standpoint it is a no-brainer, and Ovechkin is still a 30-goal scorer even as he is now over the age of 40. But he is not quite the player he was at his peak and is a very one-dimensional player at this point who needs to be sheltered in the right roles.

There is still a use for him and a value in what he provides. The Capitals just have to decide if they want it. 

Ovechkin was also asked on Thursday if he would ever consider playing for a different NHL, and jokingly replied that he is a free agent, before adding "probably not."