Capitals address Alex Ovechkin’s future after botched email stated 2025-26 season would be NHL legend’s last
The Washington Capitals addressed Alex Ovechkin’s future Thursday after an internal email mistakenly sent to season-ticket holders stated that the 2025-26 season would be his last in the NHL. The team quickly clarified on social media that no official decision has been made regarding Ovechkin’s plans beyond next season. They explained the message came from someone within the corporate sales department and does not reflect Ovechkin’s intentions.
Ovechkin, 39, has already expressed his desire to play next season. He broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing career goals record this spring, becoming the NHL’s all-time leading scorer with 897 goals. Despite missing time with a broken leg in November, he scored 44 goals—third-most in the league—leading Washington to the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery expects Ovechkin to return for the 2025-26 season. During the playoffs, Ovechkin led the team with five goals but managed just one in a second-round loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Throughout his 20-year career with Washington, Ovechkin has led the league in goals nine times and brought the Capitals their first Stanley Cup in 2018. He currently ranks 11th all-time in NHL points with 1,623, trailing Joe Sakic by 18 and longtime rival Sidney Crosby by 64.
