Ovechkin signs one-year contract to return to Capitals for 22nd season
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin agreed to a one-year deal, extending his career with the team into a 22nd season as he approaches his 41st birthday.
Alex Ovechkin announced he will return to the Washington Capitals for a 22nd season after signing a one-year contract following his free-agent status that began on July 1. The 40-year-old forward, who led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points last season, said he is healthy and eager to compete for a playoff spot.
Capitals general manager Chris Patrick had indicated on June 27 that discussions with Ovechkin were forthcoming, noting the team's recent acquisitions of Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch as factors that could influence the veteran's decision. Ovechkin, who turned 41 on Sept. 17, cited the desire to play in the postseason and contend for the Stanley Cup as primary considerations during earlier media availability.
Washington missed the playoffs this year, finishing three points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the Metropolitan Division and four points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second wild-card spot. Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 929 regular-season goals, has previously captained the Capitals to a Stanley Cup championship in 2018.
Longtime teammate John Carlson, now with the Tampa Bay Lightning, said he was not surprised by Ovechkin’s decision to stay, describing the forward as “an amazing player for far too long in this league.”
The new contract keeps Ovechkin in Washington as he seeks to add to his extensive list of league records, including the most career goals, power-play goals, and game-winning goals.