The Washington Capitals are doing damage control after an internal email suggested that the 2025-26 season would be Alex Ovechkin’s last in the NHL. The team quickly refuted that claim, stating Ovechkin has yet to make a decision about his future.
Reports on Thursday indicated the Capitals had sent an email labeling the 2025-26 campaign as “Alex Ovechkin’s FINAL NHL SEASON,” with the phrase emphasized in red and capital letters. However, when contacted by The Hockey News, the Capitals denied the accuracy of that message. They acknowledged an email had been sent but clarified that no decision has been made by Ovechkin regarding retirement.
The organization explained the email originated from someone in the corporate sales department but didn’t elaborate on the reason it was sent or how widely it was distributed.
A retirement announcement from Ovechkin wouldn’t be shocking. He’s 39 years old, has played 20 NHL seasons—all with Washington—and is nearing the end of a storied career. The 2025-26 season also aligns with the end of the five-year, $47.5 million contract he signed in 2021, which could serve as a natural endpoint.
Still, it appears Ovechkin hasn’t made anything official. It’s unclear whether he’s genuinely undecided or if a staffer inadvertently revealed the news early.
Whenever he does retire, Ovechkin will leave behind a legendary legacy. He’s a 12-time All-Star, has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy nine times, the Ted Lindsay Award three times, and the Hart Trophy three times. He was also the Conn Smythe winner during Washington’s 2017-18 Stanley Cup run and recently broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record.
While no announcement came Thursday, it likely won’t be much longer before Ovechkin decides to bring his iconic career to a close—and eventually takes his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
