Ovechkin will decide on NHL future in summer
Alex Ovechkin will wait until the offseason to determine his future in the NHL.
"We're going to make a decision in the summer," Ovechkin said in an interview with Washington Capitals radio broadcaster John Walton. Ovechkin added that he needs to talk to his family, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, general manager Chris Patrick, and president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan.
Alex Ovechkin sat down with John Walton to discuss his plans to take time after the season to reflect and consult with his family before determining his future this summer.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 8, 2026
Catch their full conversation tonight on Caps Pregame Live on @MonSportsNet pic.twitter.com/J9jAKL5HJE
Ovechkin said his health will be one of the biggest factors in his decision.
"I'm going to be 41 years old in September," he added. "You just have to be smart about it."
Ovechkin has played in all 78 of Washington's games this season. He's been highly productive even in his age-40 campaign, leading the Capitals with 31 goals and 61 points. It's the 20th time he's reached the 30-goal mark in a season, extending his own NHL record.
However, Ovechkin is also in the final season of a five-year, $47.5-million contract he signed in July 2021.
Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's NHL record for goals last season when he scored his 895th tally on April 6, 2025, against the New York Islanders. He's now up to 928 career goals and ranks 10th on the all-time points list (1,684).
"When you love something, you do it with heart," Ovechkin said. "Obviously, I love playing hockey, I love scoring goals."