NHL's All-Time Leading Goal Scorer Alex Ovechkin To Hang Up His Skates

WASHINGTON, DC — Decorated Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin announced his retirement Monday, confirming the 2026-2027 season would be his last in the National Hockey League.

The retirement comes after months of speculation surrounding Ovechkin's future in the sport. See video of Ovechkin informing his teammates.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision," reads Ovechkin's statement.

"It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses"

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

Records Are Meant To Be Broken

Ovechkin, affectionately known as "The Great Eight," is in his 22nd NHL season. He was drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft, officially signing with the team in August 2005 and making his debut the following month.

His entry on the team was delayed by a year due to the labor lockout that canceled the 2004-2005 NHL season.

Over the years, the 41-year-old Russian player racked up numerous achievements, which include the 2018 Stanley Cup Championship and being named the league's all-time leading goal scorer.

Ovechkin surpassed hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's long-standing record of 894 goals in April 2025, a feat that remained unbroken for more than 30 years.

Following the achievement, Gretzky said: "They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that."

Ovechkin, according to the NHL, remains the only player in the league's history "to win a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe, a Calder, an Art Ross, a Hart, a Ted Lindsay and a Maurice Richard Trophy."