Alex Ovechkin, having cemented his legacy last season by surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, recently marked another significant event: his 40th birthday during training camp.
“Nothing`s changed, just a different number,” Ovechkin quipped.
Tom Wilson, Ovechkin`s teammate, was asked if Ovechkin had shared insights into turning 40.
“I told them that I didn`t need to ask, because I will not be playing hockey when I`m 40,” Wilson playfully responded. He expressed immense admiration for Ovechkin`s endurance, noting the physical toll hockey takes even at 31, and marveling at Ovechkin`s ability to score 44 goals last season despite a broken leg. He concluded by calling him “a machine.”
Starting the 2025-26 season with 897 career goals, Ovechkin had already eclipsed Gretzky`s record of 894. Last season, he still managed an impressive 44 goals in 65 games, even after missing 16 games due to a broken left fibula sustained in November.
“He`s the GOAT. He`s still flying out there. It`s so pretty darn impressive,” Wilson lauded. He found it difficult to articulate the sheer “mentality and physical perseverance” that drives Ovechkin.
A single word that might encapsulate his performance: unexpected.
The 2023-24 season had concluded on a low note for Ovechkin, leading many to question if his career was winding down. He failed to register a single point during the Capitals` playoff sweep by the New York Rangers, and had no shots on goal in two of those games.
However, Ovechkin swiftly silenced doubts by accelerating his pursuit of Gretzky`s record, eventually surpassing it on April 6 against the New York Islanders. This remarkable feat energized the Capitals, contributing to a 111-point season—a significant 20-point improvement from the previous year—and propelling them to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since their 2018 Stanley Cup victory.
Capitals GM Chris Patrick noted that Ovechkin`s record chase “energized our team” and was a “cool moment for the whole organization.” He emphasized Ovechkin`s consistent “team-first” approach, especially evident in his demeanor this season.
The Question of Retirement
Upon Ovechkin`s arrival at training camp, rumors swirled about this potentially being his final season. He is in the last year of a five-year contract signed in 2021, has broken Gretzky`s record, and turned 40. Yet, Ovechkin remained vague about his future prior to the season`s start.
During training camp, he stated, “I don`t know if this is going to be the last. We`ll see.” When pressed again before the season opener, he reiterated his day-by-day philosophy: “I don`t know. I take it day by day, you know? You have to have fun. Enjoy yourself. Do the best that you can.”
Ovechkin has not made a decision, and the Capitals are unsure of his inclinations, choosing to grant him the necessary time to determine his path.
GM Patrick expressed his desire to give Ovechkin “space” for the season to unfold naturally, adding, “If he wants to talk, we`ll talk. If not, we`ll figure it out later.”
When asked about a potential deadline for his decision, Ovechkin referred reporters to Patrick, emphasizing his current focus on emotional and physical readiness for the season. A preseason announcement of a retirement tour would undoubtedly have shifted the spotlight solely onto Ovechkin, overshadowing his teammates for a second consecutive season.
Coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged this, stating it would add a “last time” element, particularly in Western Conference arenas.
Ovechkin expressed relief at having a season free from the constant narrative of the Gretzky record chase, noting, “You just get tired to hear, `When it`s going to happen, how you`re going to do it?`” He added that the team is now “focusing on different things.”
Capitals` Resurgence and Ovechkin`s Motivation
The Capitals` recent resurgence might be a compelling reason for Ovechkin to extend his career beyond this season. His 2021 contract extension was based on the premise that the team would avoid a rebuild during his tenure, instead surrounding him with talent to support his record chase and maintain his satisfaction.
This strategic retooling around Ovechkin has resulted in two consecutive Stanley Cup playoff appearances and a Metropolitan Division title last season. This success is attributed to a mix of strong prospect development and shrewd management decisions in trades and signings, particularly those for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson, all facilitated by increased cap flexibility after the retirements of veterans Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie.
Under Coach Carbery, hired two seasons ago, the Capitals have not only bypassed a rebuild during Ovechkin`s later career but have also established themselves as a legitimate contender.
Wilson highlighted the team`s new standard, stating, “We`ve created a standard now where we`re a team that`s expected to do well.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the expectation that playing against the Capitals would be a challenge.
Ovechkin expressed his appreciation for the team`s culture and management`s decision to retain most of last season`s roster.
He remarked on the familiarity in the locker room, noting that while there are new additions, they quickly grasp the team`s culture and their roles. “I think it`s pretty good,” he concluded.
Carbery attributes Ovechkin`s sustained drive to the joy he finds in playing with his teammates and the game itself.
The coach believes that even after surpassing Gretzky`s record, Ovechkin`s hunger for goals—aiming for 900, then 910—and his desire to help the team win remains as strong as ever.
Ongoing Conversations and Milestones
Coach Carbery maintains daily communication with Ovechkin.
Carbery clarified that their conversations aren`t direct inquiries about future play but broader check-ins on Ovechkin`s well-being and team needs. He acknowledged that Ovechkin`s decision will largely depend on his mental and physical state after enduring the season`s demands, especially returning from a training camp injury at his age.
While Ovechkin`s main objective remains winning another Stanley Cup for Washington, he also has several personal milestones within reach, as noted by Carbery.
At the start of this season, Ovechkin needed 42 more goals to surpass Gretzky`s combined regular season and playoff goal total of 1,016; Ovechkin had accumulated 974 after scoring 49 combined goals last season.
Furthermore, Ovechkin has an opportunity to set a new record for most goals by a 40-year-old, aiming to exceed Gordie Howe`s 44 goals in the 1968-69 season. He is also nearing his 1,500th career game, a milestone achieved by only 22 NHL players.
Patrick expressed excitement for Ovechkin`s upcoming milestones and emphasized the importance of appreciating his play now, given his age. “We`re not going to have this forever. To get to witness it every night is a treat,” he stated.
Defenseman John Carlson, whose own contract also expires this season, described his time playing with Ovechkin as “a hell of a ride,” irrespective of whether this marks Ovechkin`s final season.
Carlson reflected on the “pretty special times” playing alongside “one of the game`s greats, and now the leading goal scorer of all time.”
Long-time teammates Carlson (since 2009-10) and Wilson (since 2013-14) haven`t deeply contemplated this being Ovechkin`s final NHL season.
Carlson believes Ovechkin`s future is entirely his choice: if he continues to play well and wants to stay, the team will accommodate him; if he decides to retire, he will.
Ovechkin might draw inspiration from Gretzky`s quiet retirement, who also avoided a retirement tour. News of Gretzky`s final season (1998-99) only emerged very late, leading to intense excitement around his last Canadian game in Ottawa on April 15, 1999, before his formal announcement in New York the next day. Wilson recognizes that Ovechkin could similarly conclude his career suddenly.
Wilson emphasized that no one on the team is contemplating Ovechkin`s departure until it`s an undeniable reality. He views Ovechkin as “just a Capital,” a daily leader, and stated, “It`s just so fun having him around.”
The Capitals thus await Ovechkin`s decision, as “the Russian Machine” deliberates whether this season will be his last.
Carbery reiterated the team`s profound respect for Ovechkin, stating that he will make his decision when ready. While Ovechkin has kept his options open, Carbery confirmed the organization`s desire for “as many more years as you possibly can play.”
Duncan Priestley