Arya News - No one has scored more regular-season goals in NHL history than Ovechkin.
Washington Capitals icon Alex Ovechkin, the NHL"s all-time leading scorer, has announced that the 2026-27 campaign will be the final season of his prolific career.
"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin, 41, said in a statement the Capitals released on Monday .
"I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it"s the right decision. It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn"t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them.
"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career."
Ovechkin added, alluding to the Capitals" Wednesday night home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins: "See you Wednesday, babes!"
The Capitals also posted a message Ovechkin shared with the team Monday morning.
He told his teammates in-person that this is going to be his last season in the league.
"For me, for my family, it"s very important that you guys know first," Ovechkin said . "And yeah, it"s sad, but it is what it is. … Let"s make the playoffs, let"s have fun and enjoy the moment because times fly.
"For young guys who [it"s your] first year, or experienced guys, remember that moment and enjoy the time because of how I said times fly. It seems like yesterday I was here my first year, and right now this is my 22nd year, and it just goes like this."
Ovechkin snapped his fingers and then concluded: "So yeah, it"s hard, but let"s enjoy it, and let"s do some special things this year."
The beloved Russian superstar, affectionally nicknamed "Ovi," was then met with a standing ovation in the locker room.
Ovechkin will wrap his NHL career with 22 seasons played, all with the Capitals. After this go-around, he will hang up his skates and put the bow on a record-filled NHL career — one that will undoubtedly see him earn entrance into the Hockey Hall of Fame when he is first eligible.
The top record Ovechkin holds is total NHL goals scored , which he set in April 2025 with his 895th tally to break a tie with Wayne Gretzky . Since, he"s added 34 more goals to increase that total to 929.
This story is being updated.