Ovechkin Retirement Talk Off-Limits in Interviews

Capitals star chasing 1,000 career goals, but future plans remain private

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:21pm

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Alex Ovechkin is just two goals away from becoming the second player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career goals, but the veteran Capitals forward has asked media to avoid questions about his potential retirement. Ovechkin, 40, is in the final year of his contract and his future plans remain uncertain, though he has stated he will make a decision after the season based on how his body feels.

Why it matters

Ovechkin's pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone has captivated hockey fans, but his long-term future with the Capitals and in the NHL is a major source of speculation. The team's struggles this season have added to the uncertainty, as Ovechkin aims to cement his legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in league history.

The details

Ovechkin, the NHL's most prolific goal scorer, has 998 career goals and is just two shy of joining Wayne Gretzky as the only players to reach the 1,000-goal mark. The 40-year-old Capitals captain is in the final year of a 5-year, $47.5 million contract, and his future plans remain uncertain. Ovechkin has stated he will make a decision on retirement after the season based on how his body feels, but his camp has asked media to avoid questions about his potential retirement.

  • Ovechkin broke the NHL's all-time regular-season goal scoring record in April 2025.
  • Ovechkin displaced Gordie Howe as the player with the most goals in a single venue in November 2025.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

A 40-year-old forward for the Washington Capitals who is just two goals shy of becoming the second player in NHL history to score 1,000 career goals.

Wayne Gretzky

The only NHL player to have scored 1,000 goals, including both regular season and playoffs.

Steve Levy

An ESPN broadcaster who reported that Ovechkin's camp has asked media to avoid questions about his potential retirement.

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What they’re saying

“We were asked not to get into if this was the last season and the final few games.”

— Steve Levy, ESPN Broadcaster (ESPN)

What’s next

Ovechkin will make a decision on his future after the current NHL season concludes, based on how his body feels.

The takeaway

Despite being on the cusp of a historic 1,000-goal milestone, Ovechkin remains private about his long-term future, with his camp asking media to avoid retirement questions as he focuses on chasing down the record and helping the struggling Capitals. Fans will have to wait until after the season to learn if this is the end of Ovechkin's legendary NHL career.