While Alex Ovechkin’s future in the NHL is currently unknown, one NHL insider added some additional reporting from the Washington Capitals’ end.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Caps’ front office “has kept the lines of communication open with [Ovechkin] since the end of the season, and there’s a pretty good level of understanding of where things are trending, but everyone involved just wants to make sure No. 8 is 100 percent sure before committing to his decision, either way.”
Where things are trending is ambiguous, but judging by past comments from Ovechkin and other available context, the reporting seems to suggest that the front office anticipates the captain returning for the 2026-27 season.
After the Capitals’ regular-season finale against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a 2-1 win, Ovechkin told the media, “I hope it’s not my last game.”
Days later, at Capitals’ Breakdown Day, Ovechkin was slightly stronger with his wording, saying, “I think, honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s not my last game.” He further explained that his decision would come down to how the Capitals are positioned for next season, how his family feels about a return, and how his body is feeling.
Since then, other reporting published over the summer has said that Ovechkin’s decision would also be whether to retire from the NHL or come back for one final season in what would be a goodbye tour.
Ovechkin also said himself in a Russian-language podcast that he would announce his decision in July. “It’s not a secret,” he said.
Ovechkin has been noticeably keeping himself in good shape as he ponders his future, playing padel and hitting the weight room with his wife Nastya and close friend Gus.
He’s also been spotted on social media playing soccer and volleyball while on vacation in Turkey.
Ovechkin is committed to playing at least one more game; he’s set to play in the Russian “Match of the Year,” an annual charity game that stars from both the NHL and KHL suit up for.
