Hockey’s all-time leading goal scorer is lacing up his skates once more. Alex Ovechkin officially re-signed with the Washington Capitals on Thursday, committing to a 22nd NHL season.
Ovechkin kept his announcement simple and enthusiastic: “I’m back!”
The new contract carries a base salary of $1 million, with bonus opportunities that could bring his total earnings to $9 million. He receives a $3.25 million signing bonus upfront, along with an additional $4.75 million if he appears in at least 10 games. Due to the contract’s structure, only $4.25 million will count against the salary cap. Ovechkin will turn 41 years old in September.
The Russian star now sits at 929 career goals after netting 32 during last season. In April 2025, he shattered Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 goals, bringing the widely followed “GR8 Chase” to a historic conclusion.
For several months, Ovechkin had kept fans and the organization in suspense, saying he would wait until after the season to weigh retirement against returning. The Capitals’ front office had been preparing for either outcome.
In a statement accompanying the signing, Ovechkin expressed gratitude for the patience shown during his decision-making process. “Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision,” he said. “I’m healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I’m excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win.”
Washington missed the postseason this past spring, though the franchise had been a playoff fixture for nearly two decades — qualifying 16 times over an 18-year stretch. The team’s lone Stanley Cup championship came in 2018, a run in which Ovechkin earned playoff MVP honors.
