Alex Ovechkin Signs One-Year Contract with Capitals for 22nd Season

Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals with an average annual value of $4.25 million, ESPN reported. The deal positions the forward to return for his 22nd NHL season. Ovechkin, who turns 41 in September, is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 929 goals in 1,573 games.

He played all 82 games in the 2025-26 season and recorded 32 goals along with 32 assists. Ovechkin said he is focusing on returning to Washington and showing he remains a productive player. He described last season as emotionally difficult because of roster trades and team changes.

Ovechkin added that his wife told him to play one more year and mentioned the possibility of two. He said he carries significant pressure from past seasons but will concentrate on the game and helping the team win. The Capitals added several players this offseason, including Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner, Jonny Brodzinski, Justin Holl and Vincent Desharnais.

Owner Ted Leonsis called the period a rebirth for the franchise after it missed the playoffs and described the current roster as the strongest, fastest and deepest in his 27 years as primary owner. General manager Chris Patrick said Ovechkin can move up and down the lineup and gives the team additional options.