Ovechkin Mulls Future After Capitals' Season Ends

40-year-old star says he'll decide on retirement after Washington's final games.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Alex Ovechkin, the 40-year-old Washington Capitals star, plans to decide his future sometime after the team finishes the regular season. Ovechkin, who has 919 career regular-season goals, said he will talk with his family, team owner Ted Leonsis, and general manager Chris Patrick before making a determination on whether to retire or continue playing.

Why it matters

Ovechkin is one of the greatest players in NHL history, and his decision on retirement could have major implications for the Capitals and the league as a whole. If he retires, it would mark the end of an era and leave a significant void in the Capitals' lineup.

The details

Ovechkin said he spent the extended Olympic break by taking a trip to Dubai with his family, and he acknowledged that he needs to do more to help the Capitals, who are in a longshot position to reach the playoffs. With 48 points in 59 games, Ovechkin had only two goals in a 13-game span before the break.

  • Ovechkin plans to decide his future sometime after the Capitals finish the regular season, a 23-game stretch that resumes on Wednesday following the Winter Games break.
  • Ovechkin's current five-year contract with the Capitals expires at the end of the current season.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

A 40-year-old star player for the Washington Capitals who has 919 career regular-season goals and is considering retirement.

Ted Leonsis

The owner of the Washington Capitals.

Chris Patrick

The general manager of the Washington Capitals.

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What they’re saying

“You have to enjoy your time, spend time with the family. Don't think about hockey.”

— Alex Ovechkin (NHL.com)

“I have to do more because I'm a leader and I have to lead the way and start getting points.”

— Alex Ovechkin (NHL.com)

“No, I don't know yet. We have to make a decision. We have to talk with the family, with (Capitals owner) Ted (Leonsis), (general manager Chris Patrick), and then we'll see.”

— Alex Ovechkin (NHL.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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