Alex Ovechkin re-signs with the Capitals for a 22nd NHL season

Alex Ovechkin re-signed with the Washington Capitals on Thursday, securing his return for a 22nd season in the National Hockey League. 

"I'm back!" Ovechkin said in a statement. 

The NHL's career goal-scoring record holder inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. He receives a $3.25 million signing bonus and makes the additional $4.75 million if he plays 10 games, but the contract structure allows him to count just $4.25 million against the cap. 

Ovechkin, who turns 41 in September, had said in recent months he was waiting until the offseason to decide whether to return or retire, and management was working on contingency plans either way.

"Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision," Ovechkin said Thursday. "I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I'm excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win."

Ovechkin has 929 goals after scoring 32 last season. The Russian superstar passed Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894 goals in April 2025, completing the so-called "GR8 Chase" that captivated hockey.

He and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby are set to join Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Stan Mikita and Steve Yzerman as the only players in NHL history to play 22 seasons with a single franchise. The 2026-2027 season also marks Ovechkin's 18th as captain, making him the third-longest tenured captain in league history.

The Capitals missed the playoffs this spring but qualified 16 times in a stretch of 18 years, which included winning the franchise's only Stanley Cup in 2018 when Ovechkin was playoff MVP.