Hockey fans were sent into a tailspin after rumors emerged about Washington Capitals star left wing Alex Ovechkin’s NHL career being cut short. The frenzy was sparked by an email sent to Washington Capitals season-ticket holders that allegedly suggested that the upcoming 2025-2026 season would be Ovechkin’s final year in the NHL.
The Capitals’ PR office issued a correction on Thursday, May 29, stating that no official decision has been made regarding Ovechkin’s career beyond next season. The team explained that the email was sent in error by someone in the corporate sales department and that Ovechkin himself has not confirmed any retirement plans.
Fans React to Alex Ovechkin Retirement Rumors on Social Media
Ovechkin, who will turn 40 in September, is entering the final year of a five-year, $47.5 million contract signed before the 2021-22 season. He is currently scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season, leaving open the possibility of continuing his NHL career or exploring other options.
In another twist, Ovechkin might be considering a move back to Russia to play for Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after his NHL contract expires. This could mean that next season might indeed be his final NHL campaign.
“Ovechkin has said in the past he would like to play at least one more season in his native Russia after he retires from the NHL,” Tom Gulitti, senior writer at NHL.com, wrote.
Hockey fans posted strong reactions on X, expressing their frustration at the possibility of “The Great 8” leaving the NHL.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
— THE_Jeffrow (@Not_In_Demand) May 29, 2025
“I’m going to be surprised if this isn’t his final season,” another user posted.
“I know it’s going to happen eventually but I’m not ready,” one fan said.
Other fans focused on the hapless unnamed employee who made the error.
“lol that sales guy is cooked, hopefully he got enough commission this season,” one user said.
I have a feeling he is retiring, but you guys wanna make sure people still buy 27-28 season tickets 😂
— Guriphun (@guriphun)
This season, Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 897 goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record. The Russian forward scored 44 goals in the regular season, the joint third-highest tally on the goal-scoring chart, despite missing 16 games with a fractured left fibula.
After being chosen first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the Russian player has spent all of his 20 NHL seasons in Washington, earning 13 All-Star selections, nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies as the league’s top goal scorer, and three Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player. He also led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018.
The Capitals finished first in the Eastern Conference with 111 points (51-22-9) and were the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot. Washington defeated the Montreal Canadiens in five games in the first round, their first series victory since they won the Stanley Cup in 2018. They were knocked out by the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2.
