Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says his 22nd NHL season will be his last

Alex Ovechkin, the longtime captain of the Washington Capitals, announced that his 22nd NHL season will be his last. Ovechkin, who holds the league’s career goal-scoring record, shared the news with his teammates before it was posted on social media. At 41, Ovechkin signed a one-year contract this summer, signaling the end of his illustrious career. He expressed his love for the game but acknowledged that retiring is the right decision for him and his family. Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s goals record in 2025 and starts this season with 929 goals. The Capitals have strengthened their roster with new acquisitions, aiming for a successful playoff run. Ovechkin, who has spent his entire career with Washington, has won numerous awards, including the Stanley Cup in 2018. QUESTION: How might Ovechkin’s retirement impact the Washington Capitals and their fans?