Alex Ovechkin signs one-year deal to stay with Washington Capitals
The 40-year-old NHL star agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $9 million, confirming his return for the 2026-27 season.
Washington, D.C. – Alex Ovechkin, the league’s all-time leading goal scorer, announced on Thursday that he has re-signed with the Capitals on a one-year contract valued at $4.25 million against the salary cap, with a $1 million base salary, a $3.25 million signing bonus and a $4.75 million performance bonus payable after ten games.
“I’m back! … I’m healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I’m excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win,” Ovechkin said in a team release.
The deal follows months of speculation after Ovechkin’s contract expired in April. Head coach Spencer Carbery had said he would welcome the veteran “with open arms” whether he returned or retired. The Capitals’ owner Ted Leonsis added that Ovechkin’s “love for the game and relentless drive to win” remain constants for the franchise.
Ovechkin, who broke Wayne Gretzky’s regular-season goal record in April 2025, posted 32 goals last season. At nearly 41, his age-related decline in areas beyond scoring has raised questions about his role, but he continues to lead the team’s power play.
Washington entered the offseason with over $30 million in cap space and added forward Jordan Kyrou, winger Alex Tuch, third-liner Boone Jenner and defenseman Vincent Desharnais. The new signings push the club toward the salary-cap ceiling, while Ovechkin’s bonus-heavy contract allows the payout to be spread over two seasons.
The Capitals finished the 2024-25 campaign with 95 points, won the Metropolitan Division and reached the second round of the playoffs. The organization hopes Ovechkin’s return, combined with the recent roster moves, will keep the team in contention for a deeper postseason run next year.