Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alex Ovechkin is playing in his 22nd consecutive season in the NHL
ByTimothy AbrahamBBC Sport Journalist- Published5 minutes ago
National Hockey League all-time leading goalscorer Alex Ovechkin says he will retire at the end of the season.
The 41-year-old Russian, who plays for the Washington Capitals, claimed the record in April 2025 when he scored his 895th career goal to surpass the legendary Wayne Gretzky's NHL regular season tally.
Canadian Hall of Famer Gretzky held the record for 31 years having previously overtaken compatriot Gordie Howe in 1994.
Ovechkin said in a statement that he "loves this game so much" but knew that in his "heart it's the right decision".
"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," Ovechkin said.
"Everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses.
"I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."
Ovechkin has 1,688 career points (929 goals, 759 assists) in 1,575 games for the Capitals, the 10th-most points in NHL history.
He's 11 goals away from passing Gretzky for most total goals (regular season and play-offs combined) in NHL history and four assists away from passing Nicklas Backstrom for the franchise career assists record (762).
Ovechkin will play his first Western Conference home game of the new season on Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins are the visitors to the Capital One Arena.
"I am excited about this season with my team-mates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he added.
"I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career."
Who is Alex Ovechkin?
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alex Ovechkin was at the heart of Washington's 2017-18 Stanley Cup triumph
Ovechkin has been a mainstay for the Washington Capitals since his NHL debut in October 2005.
He was selected first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft after establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Russian hockey.
He moved to North America from Dynamo Moscow at the age of 20 and scored twice on his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ovechkin helped the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup victory in 2017-18 and has scored at least 40 goals in 14 of his 21 NHL seasons, an NHL record.
Known for his passionate celebrations and relaxed attitude towards the strict diets expected in the modern game, his face is plastered across the league's marketing material.
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