Alex Ovechkin signs one-year contract to stay with Washington Capitals
The 41-year-old NHL star agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with Washington, adding bonuses that could bring total earnings to $9 million for the 2026-27 season.
Washington announced on Thursday that Alex Ovechkin will return for a 22nd season with the Capitals under a one-year contract. The deal provides a $1 million base salary, a $3.25 million signing bonus and an additional $4.75 million if he appears in at least ten games.
"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 statement.
The Russian forward, who turns 41 in September, previously indicated he was unlikely to retire after the 2025-26 campaign and would consider his options only if a return involved Washington, the sole franchise of his NHL career. Ovechkin, the 2004 No. 1 overall pick, has amassed 19 individual awards, including three Hart Trophies, a Calder Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy and nine Rocket Richard Trophies. He concluded the last season with 32 goals and played all 82 games, bringing his career total to 929 goals, the most in league history.