Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has maintained throughout the 2025-26 campaign that he is unsure of his playing future after this season.
Ovechkin, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, was one of four 40-year-olds to suit up in the NHL this season alongside Colorado’s Brent Burns, Tampa Bay’s Corey Perry and New York’s Jonathan Quick.
He remained productive this season, scoring 32 goals and 63 points in 81 games but the Capitals were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Monday and will close out the season on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ovechkin told the media Monday “I will think about it” when asked if he would return for more year.
No one is more eager to see if Ovechkin will return than his Capitals teammates, including winger Tom Wilson, who has played his entire 13-season NHL career alongside Ovechkin.
“Honestly guys, I have no clue and I spend a lot of time with him,” said Wilson told TSN 1050. “I don’t know if he really knows. He’s a larger-than-life guy. He’s been one of the most crazy hockey players his whole career. I don’t know what his sendoff is going to look like.
“I think at this point, he’s such a legend of the game, whatever he wants to do and however he wants it to end, he’s earned that right. I think nobody knows what’s going to happen. But however he wants it to go down, I think he’s earned that no doubt.”
If Ovechkin were to retire following the season, he would end his career with the NHL all-time goals record (929) and a packed trophy case that includes nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophies, three Hart Trophies, three Lester B. Pearson/Ted Lindsay awards as well as one Calder, one Conn Smythe and one Art Ross.
Ovechkin also captained the Capitals to the franchise’s only Stanley Cup title in 2018, which Wilson was also a part of.
“It’ll be interesting,” said Wilson. “I’ve had such a blast. I’ve always said I hope he plays forever. I love being his teammate. He’s still got it. He still scored 30 goals, he’s leading the way, he’s crushing guys and he’s running over guys every night.
“Who knows? He plays the game extremely hard. He’s 41-years-old next season. It’s been a heck of a career for him.”
