Key Takeaways
- Ovechkin denies making any decision about retiring after 2025–26, calling reports “nonsense.”
- The Capitals star had 73 points last season and broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record.
- He joked about training in Turkey and left the door open to “anything,” including Crosby joining the Caps.
Alex Ovechkin (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Alex Ovechkin has denied reports claiming he has already made a decision to retire from the NHL after the 2025–26 season. Speaking in Moscow after participating in the “Game of the Year”—a star-studded exhibition where his team defeated the KHL All-Stars 15-3—Ovechkin emphasized that nothing has been finalized. The Washington Capitals captain scored a goal and added an assist in the game.
In late May, Russian outlet AIF quoted Ovechkin’s wife, Nastasiya, as saying that the family might move back to Russia in 2026. Ovechkin’s current contract with the Capitals runs through that season.
“She said maybe we’ll come and play in Russia,” Ovechkin clarified to reporters. “But it was just a ‘maybe.’ No one mentioned a specific date. It’s all nonsense that you guys are twisting and putting Nastya in a position where it sounds like she said I’m playing my last NHL season. Let’s just wait and see!”
When asked directly if he would consider continuing his NHL career beyond 2025–26, the 39-year-old forward said, “Anything is possible. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes either.”
Ovechkin’s comments align with what a source close to the player told RG Media in early June—that no decision has yet been made.
“Alex has always been honest with himself and the hockey community,” the source said. “If he feels he can no longer play at the highest level, he won’t continue just for the sake of staying.”
In the 2024–25 season, Ovechkin recorded 73 points (44 goals, 29 assists) in 65 games, finishing with a plus-15 rating and surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record. The Capitals topped the Eastern Conference and advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Now back in Russia for the offseason, Ovechkin says he’s feeling refreshed after a vacation in Turkey.
“Did you see how well I trained in Turkey? I’m in great shape!” he joked. “Played some volleyball, got good rest, and felt fresh out there today. All good!”
Asked how he would feel about a hypothetical trade that brought Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin to Washington, Ovechkin smiled: “If that ever happened, it’d be amazing. If not, we’ll fight with the guys we have.”
