Alex Ovechkin expects to delay NHL retirement with Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says he is “pretty sure” he will delay his retirement and return for a 22nd NHL season after his team concludes their campaign against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer becomes an unrestricted free agent on 1 July but expects Tuesday’s regular-season finale will not be his final appearance on the ice.
Ovechkin will formally decide his future during the off-season after holding discussions with his family and the Capitals’ hierarchy.
“To be honest with you, I’m pretty sure it’s not my last game,” the 40-year-old said.
Family support driving contract decision
The veteran forward revealed his children have been actively encouraging him to remain in the United States capital.
“The kids are already asking me, ‘Dad, are you staying or no?’ And I tell them, ‘We’ll see.’ They want me to come back,” he explained.
He has not yet held formal negotiations with general manager Chris Patrick but joked he would gladly sign a two-year extension if offered.
If an agreement cannot be reached to remain in Washington, the Russian icon confirmed he would “probably not” represent another NHL franchise.
Health and postseason ambitions
Returning the Capitals to the Stanley Cup playoffs remains a priority for the legendary winger after the franchise failed to qualify this season.
The physical toll of elite ice hockey is also a significant consideration ahead of his impending contract decision.
He disclosed that a preseason hamstring injury heavily impacted his start to the current campaign, restricting him to just two goals in the opening month.
“When you’re 20, it’s no big thing. When you’re 40, it’s harder and harder,” he admitted regarding rigorous summer fitness regimes.
Cementing an unparalleled legacy
Despite early-season fitness struggles, the prolific shooter still managed to tally 32 goals and 32 assists across 82 games in his 21st year.
He currently sits on 929 career goals in 1,573 games, having surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s historic regular-season record last year.
Should he opt to unexpectedly leave North America, a return to his native Russia to play in the KHL with former club Moscow Dynamo remains a distinct possibility.
Uncertainty surrounding his departure prompted emotional scenes on Sunday, with fans chanting for one more year while rival Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby attempted a premature farewell handshake.
