Alex Ovechkin returns to Capitals for attainable ultimate NHL season

Alex Ovechkin isn’t executed but. 

The NHL’s all-time main scorer signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract to return to the Capitals for a twenty second season, the crew introduced Thursday. 

Ovechkin will earn $9 million subsequent 12 months so long as he performs 10 video games, in response to The Athletic.

In April, Ovechkin was weighing retirement and mentioned his future would depend upon well being going into his age-41 season. 

“I’m again!” Ovechkin mentioned in a launch. “Thanks to everybody for giving me and my household the time to make this choice. I’m wholesome. I like enjoying hockey and competing to win.”

“I’m excited to return again and be a part of my teammates so we are able to struggle for a playoff spot and have an opportunity to win. See you in September, DC!” 

The 40-year-old scored 32 objectives and tallied 64 factors whereas enjoying all 82 video games final season, however the Capitals missed the playoffs for the primary time in three years. 

Although the Capitals missed the postseason, the 2004 first-overall choose has little so as to add to his résumé coming into Yr 22. 

Along with breaking Wayne Gretzky’s document for probably the most objectives scored ever in April 2025, Ovechkin has helped the Capitals to a few Presidents’ Trophies as one of the best common season crew throughout his tenure. 

He additionally helped carry the Capitals their first Stanley Cup title in 2018. 

After scoring 15 objectives in 24 playoff video games, Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.

General, Ovechkin has 929 profession objectives and 1,687 factors in 1,573 regular-season video games, whereas having 77 objectives and 147 factors in 161 postseason video games. 

In what could seemingly be the legend’s ultimate season, the Capitals will look to construct off a 43-30-9 end final 12 months and return to the postseason.