The Washington Capitals’ legendary captain Alex Ovechkin, who holds the NHL record for most career goals, plans to determine whether he’ll keep playing hockey once this season concludes.
The 40-year-old veteran is currently in his 21st NHL campaign and the last year of his five-year deal worth $47.5 million. Ovechkin captured the Stanley Cup in 2018 and has earned the Hart Trophy three times during his illustrious career.
Speaking with Monumental Sports Network, Ovechkin explained his approach to the major decision ahead. “When you love something, you do it with heart,” he stated. “Obviously, I love playing hockey, I love scoring goals. … We’re going to make a decision in the summer. I have to talk to my family, with Ted (owner Ted Leonsis)” along with other franchise executives.
“I’m going to be 41 in September. You just have to be smart about it.”
The veteran’s season may end sooner than hoped, as Washington faces playoff uncertainty. The Capitals hold a record of 39-30-9 for 87 points, trailing Philadelphia by five points for the Metropolitan Division’s third position with just four contests left. They also sit five points behind Ottawa in the race for the Eastern Conference’s final wild-card berth.
Ovechkin made history this season when he eclipsed Wayne Gretzky’s legendary goal-scoring mark, netting his record-breaking 895th career goal against the New York Islanders on April 6, 2025, with Gretzky watching from the stands. Since then, he has extended his total to 928 goals after leading his team with 31 this season.
This year, Ovechkin has accumulated a team-high 61 points, bringing his career point total to 1,684, which places him 10th in NHL history.
Selected first overall by Washington in the 2004 NHL Draft, he has claimed the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer a record nine times throughout his career.
