Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals upcoming season will be his last in NHL

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, announced that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.

“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” he said on Monday, Oct. 5 in a statement released by the Capitals. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.

“It was important for me to make his announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been 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.”

Ovechkin holds the NHL record with 929 goals. He had passed Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goal mark in the 2024-25 season and hit 900 goals in 2025-26.

He signed a one-year contract on July 2 to return for a 22nd season. He will earn $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. Ovechkin’s contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals upcoming season will be his last in NHL