The Washington Capitals were compelled to clarify Alex Ovechkin’s future after an email was incorrectly sent to season-ticket holders suggesting that the 2025-26 season would mark the end of Ovechkin’s time in the NHL.
The Capitals revealed through social media that no decisions have been finalized regarding Ovechkin’s career trajectory past the upcoming season. They also mentioned that the email originated from “an individual in the corporate sales department.”
Ovechkin, expressing his intention to play next season, broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing career scoring record this spring. Despite a broken leg suffered in mid-November, Ovechkin still netted 44 goals this season, ranking third in the league, and led the Capitals to the Eastern Conference’s top playoff slot.
Ovechkin
Ovechkin stood out in the postseason with five goals but managed only one during the team’s second-round playoff defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Although the Capitals did not reach the Eastern Conference Finals, Ovechkin’s illustrious career is hard to critique. The 39-year-old has spent his 20-year NHL career solely with the Capitals, leading the league in single-season goals nine times, notably achieving seven during an eight-year period from 2013-2020. In 2018, he and the Capitals celebrated their first-ever Stanley Cup victory, overcoming the Vegas Golden Knights with a series win.
Now, Ovechkin is the all-time leader in the NHL with 897 goals, three ahead of Gretzky, who held the title for over 35 years. Ovechkin’s 1,623 points rank 11th all-time, trailing Hall of Famer Joe Sakic by 18 points and long-time rival Sidney Crosby by 64.
