Ovechkin Defies Retirement Buzz after Breaking Gretzky’s Record
Imagine scoring the most goals in NHL history, passing Wayne Gretzky—a name that had practically become a permanent part of the record books. Most people would call it a career right then and there. But Alex Ovechkin doesn’t do what’s expected. He’s made it clear: he’s not going anywhere, not yet. Despite constant rumors, the 40-year-old Washington Capitals superstar confirmed he’ll skate through the final year of his contract, putting retirement talk on ice for now.
Ovechkin’s announcement comes right after his historic moment—netting his 895th NHL goal to overtake Gretzky. That alone could have been the perfect storybook ending. But Ovechkin says he’s still got more to give. And he proved it this season despite some brutal luck. Hobbling back from a broken leg that sidelined him for 16 games, he still punched in 42 goals, keeping up a pace that would have put him at 56 if he’d played every match. At his age, that’s almost unheard of in the league.
His five-year, $9.5 million-per-season contract, signed back in 2021, stretches through the 2025-26 campaign. There’s never really been a hint that the Capitals would want him to hang up his skates early, and Ovechkin himself just shut down all the loose talk. “I’m not retiring,” he told reporters—plain and simple. That’s about as direct as it gets in professional sports.
Staying Power and What’s Next for the Capitals
So, where does this leave the Capitals? For starters, fans can relax knowing their franchise player isn’t about to disappear after the biggest moment of his career. Ovechkin spent his entire career with Washington, and his loyalty runs deep. He has always said he wanted to be a Capital for life, and this next season seals that promise.
The whispers about retirement turned into a steady buzz as Ovechkin closed in on Gretzky’s towering record. Some thought reaching the mountaintop would sap his motivation. Instead, he’s lining up for next year’s Stanley Cup chase with just as much energy as ever. The Capitals, meanwhile, will rally around a leader who’s still dangerous every time he touches the puck. With Ovechkin on board, the team isn’t just playing for nostalgia—they’re gearing up for another shot at postseason glory.
Ovechkin’s decision also signals something bigger. At a time when most players his age are either winding down or leaning into ceremonial roles, he’s keeping himself in the thick of the action. Every goal he scores from here on out is new ground for the sport. That drive—plus that Alex Ovechkin slap shot—keeps filling seats and making highlight reels. Fans get at least one more season to watch him chase records and push Washington forward. As next season approaches, there’s no sign that he’s slowing down or aiming for a quiet exit. Ovechkin’s story in the NHL isn’t finished just yet.
