Alex Ovechkin delivers major message to Capitals teammates about his future
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Alex Ovechkin told his Capitals teammates Monday morning that this season will be his last in the NHL, closing out a 22-season career in Washington.
Alex Ovechkin has set an end date.
The Capitals captain told his teammates Monday morning that this season will be his last in the NHL, and the team shared the news on X.
The timing is striking. Just days ago, Ovechkin said he hadn't decided whether this would be the final year and hadn't talked it over with the club.
Washington opened the regular season Friday in Carolina against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes.
A career like no other
The 41-year-old was the first overall pick in 2004 and has spent his entire career in Washington.
He has worn the captain's C since 2010, and he led the franchise to its first Stanley Cup in 2018.
He also passed Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's all-time goals leader, and he enters this year with 929 career goals.
He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract in July to come back for a 22nd season.
Back then he wouldn't say if it was the last one, and he mentioned his wife had suggested one more year or maybe two.
What it means for Washington
Last season Ovechkin scored 32 goals and played all 82 games, but the Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time in three years.
The front office answered by adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, so the roster looks built to push for a postseason spot again.
Every home game from here on will feel a little different.
D.C. fans now know they are watching the last chapter of the best goal scorer the sport has ever seen, and the captain has said he came back to fight for a playoff spot.
The countdown has officially started.
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