Alex Ovechkin Signs One-Year Deal to Return for 22nd Season With Capitals

Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals on Thursday to play his 22nd NHL season. The deal carries an average annual value of $4.25 million, with a $1 million base salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus. He will receive an additional $4.75 million bonus if he plays at least 10 games.

He enters the new season with 929 regular-season goals, the NHL record after surpassing Wayne Gretzky in April 2025. The Capitals missed the playoffs by two points last season. Ovechkin has one Stanley Cup title, won in 2018.

Ovechkin said he consulted his family before deciding to return. His wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, and their two sons were present when he signed the contract. >"Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I love playing hockey and competing to win.

" Shubskaya wore a black outfit in the image. Ovechkin had previously left open the possibility of playing in Russia's KHL. He spent parts of five seasons with Moscow Dynamo before and during his NHL career.