Alex Ovechkin, the greatest Russian hockey player in NHL history and the top regular season goalscorer of all time, has announced he will be retiring at the end of the season.
Ovechkin made the announcement to his Washington Capitals teammates on Monday morning, with the clip released on social media shortly after.
‘This is going to be my last year,’ Ovechkin begins his emotional locker room address. ‘I’m pretty sure it’s… for me, my family, it’s very important for the guys to know first.
‘It’s sad, but it is what it is. We have a f***ing unbelievable team this year. 82 games left, let’s make the playoffs, let’s have fun and enjoy the moment. Time flies for young guys… I remember that moment, and enjoy the time.
‘It’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special things this year.’
Ovechkin had previously teased his retirement months ago, but opted to play on for another year, with the Capitals now two games into the new season.
Washington Capitals icon Alex Ovechkin has announced he’ll retire at the end of the season
Ovechkin, 41, has just begun his 22nd season as a player in the National Hockey League
He signed a one-year deal worth up to $9 million in July to continue playing, and has just begun his 22nd season in the league.
The Russian holds the record for the most regular season goals in NHL history – breaking Gretzky’s mark in March of 2025.
This year, in mid-March, Ovechkin joined Gretzky as the only players in NHL history to cross 1,000 career goals.
Reaching that milestone only added to Ovechkin’s already-cemented legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
He’s won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2006, the Art Ross Trophy as the league leader in points in 2008, and the Hart Trophy as league MVP three times.
Ovechkin is also a nine-time winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league leader in goals.
Additionally, he’s been named to the NHL All-Star Game 13 times.
He could still break plenty of records this year, with another 82 regular season games to play
Last year, Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for regular season goals in a career
But perhaps most importantly, Ovechkin won the 2018 Stanley Cup with the Capitals and was named MVP of the playoffs in the process.
The future Hall of Famer’s announcement came two days out from the Capitals’ home opener at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, something Ovechkin revealed was deliberate.
‘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 good times and tough losses,’ he said in an official statement.
‘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.
‘I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!’
