The Washington Capitals emailed season ticket holders in an announcement that Alex Ovechkin will be retiring following the 2025-2026 season in the NHL, according to

@JacobBillingt10 on X: 

 

 

The announcement marked the end of the 40-year-old Russian winger's playing career, who is universally considered to be among the all-time greats of hockey goal-scorers.

Ovechkin, a 20-year veteran of the Capitals, will hang up his skates following this season, paving the way for a farewell tour spectacle as fans pay tribute to the "Great 8."

 

 


Alex Ovechkin Career Statistics

Ovechkin's statistical superiority is unmatched. In his 20 NHL seasons, he has competed in 1,491 games, registering 897 goals and 726 assists for 1,623 points. His 897 goals are an NHL record, surpassing the 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. 

 

 

In the 2024-25 season alone, Ovechkin netted 44 goals and 29 assists for 73 points in 65 games, with a career-best 18.6% shooting percentage. 

He has won three Hart Trophies, nine Rocket Richard Trophies, and led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in 2018. His 136 game-winning goals, 326 power-play goals, and 65 empty-net goals are but a small number of his many records. 

Ovechkin averages 49 goals and 89 points on an 82-game basis, which demonstrates his elite-level consistency.
 

 

 

Alex Ovechkin Hall of Fame

Ovechkin's retirement cements his status as a first-ballot Hockey Hall of Famer. His Stanley Cup, multiple MVPs, and all-time goal record are an unequivocal case. 

His impact on the game, through his physicality, passion, and consistency, has inspired so many players. 

With records for most career goals (897), 30-goal seasons (18), most consecutive 20-goal seasons (20), and goals against the most goaltenders (180), Ovechkin's legacy is secure for a 2030 induction.

 

 


 

Alex Ovechkin Retirement

The Capitals' email to season ticket holders confirms Ovechkin's plan to retire after the 2025-2026 season, his 21st in the NHL. 

Though he'll have turned 40 in September 2025, he remains a threat to score. His signature one-timer is still a bane to goaltenders. 

The news follows a career of cheating age, including 44 goals in 2024-25. Ovechkin will have more time with family and pursue hockey development opportunities in Russia. 

The Capitals will salute him with tributes around Capital One Arena and throughout NHL rinks for his last season.

 

 


 

Alex Ovechkin Highlights

Ovechkin's career has been a highlight reel of signature moments. The rookie-season goal against Phoenix, scored while sliding on his back, set the tone for his flair. 

His 700th goal in 2020, 800th in 2022, and record-breaking 895th against the Islanders in April 2025 are milestones etched in history. 

His 2018 Stanley Cup playoff run, during which he won the Conn Smythe Trophy, was highlighted by historic celebrations, such as the Cup being raised in Las Vegas. Off the ice, his “Ovi's Crazy 8's” initiative has given more than 5,700 tickets to fans, and his involvement with Hockey Fights Cancer and the American Special Hockey Association speaks volumes about his presence worldwide.

With the 2025-2026 season on the horizon, hockey is electric with anticipation to honor a legend. Ovechkin's last season will be a tearful farewell to a player who transformed the NHL.