No, Alex Ovechkin doesn’t know if he’ll retire at the end of the 25-26 season

Earlier this week, Capitals fans got a scare.

An e-mail was sent to season ticket holders stating that the 25-26 season would be Alex Ovechkin’s last in the NHL.

And his wife followed up by saying that it could very well be Ovechkin’s last season in North America.

But now a source has confided in RG Media to set the record straight, without necessarily denying the rumours.

What we do know, for the moment, is that the player doesn’t really know what to expect next.

He’ll play next season… and then make a decision.

What will matter in his choice is his health and his performance in 25-26.

Alex has not made the decision to retire from the NHL in 2026. – Source from RG Media

EXCLUSIVE: Source reveals Alex Ovechkin has made no decision yet about retiring from the NHL in 2026. His final choice depends on performance next season. Details https://t.co/yCF 6cgLqm3

via @smdemidov pic.twitter.com/YcP373rhz7

– RG (@TheRGMedia) June 1, 2025

It makes sense.

This September (the 17th), Ovechkin will celebrate his 40th birthday. He may have scored 44 goals in 65 games last campaign, but maybe his body will stop keeping up too.

We know, after all: to play in the NHL, you have to be in shape. The guys have to be in shape, because the travelling, the games, the checking… it can be a lot.

Let’s not forget that there’s still a year left on his contract, and that’s another reason to believe that this is his last year in the show.

He’s always said he wants to play in Russia at the end of his career, and we know he’ll get that opportunity because he’s recognized as a real star in his country.

So it remains to be seen. But all in all, we’ll have to make the most of Alex Ovechkin’s moments in 25-26, because this could be the last time we see him play in the NHL.

A big page in the league’s history would be turned, if that happens…

Overtime

– Will he be able to help his club?

Jeff Skinner is going to the SCF in his first career playoff appearance. Has only played 2 games but has a point in both of those games.

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 1, 2025

– It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

There’s a duel on tonight that’ll have everyone’s attention! https://t.co/uCWrGGIV5d

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 1, 2025

– Oh.

McDavid had a word with training staff and left practice early today. Rest of the group still out there.

– Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 1, 2025

– The Oilers captain will be at his post.

“No issues. He will be ready for Game 1,” Knoblauch on McDavid who skated briefly today and left.

– Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) June 1, 2025

– Varsho on the injured list: bad news for the Jays.

Davis Schneider is back. https://t.co/JO8GYTOccE

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 1, 2025