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3w ago

Ovechkin Says He’s ‘Pretty Sure’ He’ll Play Again as Capitals Await His Call

His latest comments point to a likely return.

Image
Apr 14, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) waits for the face-off against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Apr 14, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Mark Jankowski (77) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Apr 14, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Overview

  • At Thursday’s locker cleanout, Alex Ovechkin said he is “pretty sure” Tuesday’s finale was not his last NHL game, though he remains an unsigned free agent this summer.
  • He said he will decide in the offseason after talks with his family, coach Spencer Carbery, and general manager Chris Patrick, and ESPN reported the team would prefer clarity by the June 26 draft without pressuring him.
  • In Tuesday’s season finale in Columbus, he assisted on Jakob Chychrun’s winner in a 2-1 victory as Capitals fans chanted “one more year,” and Carbery kept him on late to chase an empty-net chance.
  • Ovechkin played all 82 games at age 40 and led Washington with 32 goals and 64 points, extending his NHL record to 929 career regular-season goals.
  • His choice will shape the Capitals’ offseason plans, as he joked he’d like to hear “two more years” from management and said he would probably not play for another NHL team.