Overview
- The Capitals announced on Thursday that Ovechkin signed a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $4.25 million.
- The payout breaks down to a $1 million base salary, a $3.25 million signing bonus and a $4.75 million games-played bonus that vests at 10 games, creating roughly $9 million in attainable compensation.
- The contract’s bonus structure keeps Washington’s immediate cap charge modest and allows any unpaid bonus money to be carried into the next season if the team lacks space.
- Ovechkin said “I’m back,” that he is healthy and wants to compete, joining a Capitals roster that added players such as Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch and Boone Jenner in an effort to contend.
- Ovechkin will play his 22nd season in Washington as the NHL’s career regular-season goals leader with 929, extending a long-term franchise and commercial presence for the club.