Capitals Legend Ovechkin Makes Official Retirement Announcement
He addressed his teammates this morning as well to tell them the news.🚨 OFFICIALLY OVECHKIN'S FINAL YEAR 🚨 Alex Ovechkin has announced that the 2026-2027 season will be his final one in the NHL. The Great 8 also released a statement to the fans following the announcement. https://t.co/WzEYrWf4WB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 5, 2026
Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL https://t.co/wnnnkrIl5U
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026
Ovi will finish as the game's all-time goal-scoring leader, sitting now with 929. He's also the all-time power-play goal leader, currently with 331, and game-winning goal king, at 141.
I know in my heart it is the right decision. It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through the good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special.
The Capitals made some big offseason splashes, acquiring Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, and the team hopes to send The Great 8 off a winner.
Team owner Ted Leonsis thanked the iconic Capitals legend with his own social media post:
"For more than two decades, Alex has given our fans everything they could ask for: the goals, the records, the physicality, the passion, and an unmatched desire to win. He brought Washington a Stanley Cup, and he helped create some of the most joyful and unifying moments this city has ever experienced in sports."
Let the retirement tour begin.