Alex Ovechkin’s NHL future remains unclear with the 40-year-old winger’s latest contract set to expire this summer.
Ovechkin told Monumental Sports Network he won’t make a decision on his future until after this season behind him.
“Not yet. We’re going to make a decision in the summer,” Ovechkin said. “I have to talk to my family, with (Capitals ownership and management), and I have to make a decision in the summer.”
The future Hall of Famer added that his health will be the biggest factor in his decision.
“I’m going to be 41 years old in September so we just have to be smart about it,” he added.
Alex Ovechkin sat down with John Walton to discuss his plans to take time after the season to reflect and consult with his family before determining his future this summer.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 8, 2026
Catch their full conversation tonight on Caps Pregame Live on @MonSportsNet pic.twitter.com/J9jAKL5HJE
When this season ends for the Capitals remains to be determined as the team pushes to make the playoffs over their final four games. Washington is five points back of both the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot and the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the Metropolitan Division.
Ovechkin, who is playing out the last of a five-year, $47.5 million contract this season, admitted in March he was hit hard by the team trading his long-time teammate John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks.
Ovechkin called it the “saddest day”of his career, adding he was left “in shock” when he heard the news after spending 17 years playing with Carlson.
“I don’t know,” Ovechkin said at the time of how the Carlson trade affects his future. “I’m still here, so we’ll see. We’ll see what’s going to happen. It’s a hard one.”
In 78 games this season, Ovechkin has 31 goals and 61 points. He is the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, now owning 928, after passing Wayne Gretzky late last season.
