Alex Ovechkin Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals at Age 40

Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals that carries an average annual value of $4.25 million. The deal returns the 40-year-old forward for his 22nd NHL season. Ovechkin, who turns 41 in September, enters the new campaign as the league's all-time leading goal scorer with 929 tallies in 1,573 games.

He played all 82 games in the 2025-26 season and finished with 32 goals and 32 assists. Ovechkin said he entered the offseason unsure about his future after an emotionally difficult year that included multiple trades involving teammates. He added that his wife encouraged him to play one more year and possibly two.

"Right now, I'm focusing on coming back to D.C. and showing that I'm still a good player and I can help the team to win," Ovechkin said. He declined to commit to the 2026-27 season as his last and said he would focus on the game rather than retirement pressure.

Washington owner Ted Leonsis described the offseason as a rebirth for the franchise after the team missed the playoffs. He called the current roster the strongest, fastest and deepest in his 27 years as primary owner. Ovechkin said the team's additions of players such as Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch and Boone Jenner created significant depth.

He stated that the group looks like one of the best on paper and that the focus now shifts to winning the Stanley Cup.