Washington Capitals forward Dylan Strome has weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Alex Ovechkin’s future, offering a perspective that might surprise fans eager to label the 2024-25 season as the legend’s farewell tour. Speaking at a charity golf event, Strome expressed doubt that the upcoming season will be Ovechkin’s last, despite the fact that the veteran is entering the final year of his contract.
Why Is Dylan Strome Pushing Back Against Alex Ovechkin Retirement Talk?
The 39-year-old winger, widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history, has not committed to retiring after this season. While many assume this could be his farewell tour, Ovechkin has pushed back on that narrative, and his teammates are following suit.
“Look, we don’t know if it’s going to be his final year,” Strome told NHL.com. “You kind of see what he said a couple of days ago, that it’s preposterous that people would talk about that this will be his last year.”
“I mean, obviously it’s the final year of his contract, so anything can happen. It’s his decision, obviously, but I wouldn’t rule anything out,” he added.
Yeah… Alex Ovechkin’s still got it… and he’s rocking no visor
(🎥: rus039/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/qZz6q3sC1q
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 9, 2025
Ovechkin is heading into the last season of his five-year, $47.5 million deal with Washington, which began in 2021. Despite turning 40 in September, he continues to be a key figure on the ice. In the 2024-25 season, he reached 897 career goals, becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer and surpassing Wayne Gretzky.
When asked about his future, Ovechkin told Russian outlet RIA Novosti, “Anything’s possible. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes either.” He also dismissed the idea that he’s already made a retirement decision, calling such claims “pure nonsense.”
What Makes Strome’s Opinion on Ovechkin’s Future So Significant?
Strome’s perspective carries weight because he spent most of last season centering Ovechkin’s line, giving him a front-row seat to the captain’s condition and mindset. The connection between the two has been a bright spot for the Capitals, with Strome crediting Ovechkin for helping him reach career-best numbers with 29 goals, 53 assists, and 82 points.
“It’s been an honor to play with him and still is,” Strome said. “He’s obviously had a storybook career, and he’s obviously had a positive effect on mine.”
Dylan Strome on Alexander Ovechkin breaking the record for most career goals scored: “He was just that guy, right? Bigger than the game, in a way.
I think that’s been clear these last few weeks. The closer he got to Gretzky’s record, there was just this energy in the building. I… pic.twitter.com/KKJ5gqKlPZ
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) April 22, 2025
Tom Wilson, another long-time teammate of Ovechkin, echoed Strome’s thoughts about the captain’s longevity. “You can never doubt the guy. He could play two, three more years. He’s a guy who loves to score. He loves the game of hockey,” Wilson said.
“We’ll see what happens. He’s going to knock down 900 [goals] and then start chipping away at the next milestone.”
Ovechkin needs just three more goals to hit the 900 mark, a feat no NHL player has ever achieved. He’s also approaching 1,500 career games, another historic milestone that could provide additional motivation to continue playing.
Despite the whispers about retirement, the man himself remains focused on the season ahead. No extension talks have taken place, according to Ovechkin, and for now, his future remains an open question. The Capitals open their 2025-26 season against the Boston Bruins on October 8. Whether it’s a final chapter or just another in a storied career, all eyes will be on Alex Ovechkin as he takes the ice.
