Alex Ovechkin announces final NHL season with Washington Capitals

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin announced Monday that the 2024-25 campaign will be his final season in the National Hockey League. In a statement released through the team, Ovechkin said he felt the decision was right for him and his family and wanted to make the announcement before the Capitals' first home game to thank those who supported him.

The 41-year-old forward, who is entering his 22nd season, has scored 929 career goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's former record of 894. He signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million, with a $4.75 million performance bonus tied to his appearance in the tenth game of the season.

"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," Ovechkin wrote.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis praised Ovechkin's long-term contributions, noting his role in the franchise's 2018 Stanley Cup win and his impact on the city’s sports culture.

"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," Leonsis said in a social-media post.

Ovechkin finished last season with 32 goals and 64 points, marking his 20th 30-goal season and his 21st consecutive year leading the Capitals in goals. The team, which missed the playoffs last year, added wingers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou during the offseason as it prepares for a post-Ovechkin era.

His final regular-season home game will be against longtime rival Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a matchup that will feature two of the few players in NHL history to spend 22 seasons with a single franchise.