Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals on Thursday.
"I’m back!” Ovechkin said.
The league’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 turns 41 in September.
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 had said in recent months he was waiting until the off-season 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. “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.”
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.
Now sitting at 1,006 goals including playoffs, Ovechkin returns to Washington just 10 markers shy of Wayne Gretzky's record combined mark of 1,016 regular-season and playoff goals.
If Ovechkin surpasses Gretzky's record, he'll likely do it in the only jersey he's ever known as he returns to the Capitals for a 22nd season. The Russian was drafted by the club first overall in 2004 and led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018.
Along the way, Ovechkin has also won the Calder Trophy, nine Rocket Richard Trophies, three Hart Trophies and a Conn Smythe.
Now, the accolades are set to keep piling up.
Ovechkin's return marks the fourth major move up front this season for Washington, which also made big trades for St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou and Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch while signing longtime Columbus Blue Jackets centre Boone Jenner in free agency.
"Alex has proven year after year that he can produce offensively and that he is still the driving force of our team. We are excited about the additions we made this off-season to bolster our lineup and make our group more competitive. We believe that our roster is well balanced and will help create more opportunities for Alex to create offence and score goals. In addition, his presence in our locker room — especially with our young players — will continue to be an enormous boost for our organization and will help shape our team culture for years to come," general manager Chris Patrick said in a statement.
The Capitals missed the playoffs this past season just one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy, but appear set on climbing back up the standings.
--with files from Sportsnet staff
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