Alex Ovechkin is back for one more season with the Washington Capitals. The one-year extension keeps the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer in Washington as he heads toward his 22nd NHL season.
He called the decision a return to the same pursuit that has defined his career. “I’m back!” Ovechkin said. “I’m healthy.” He also said, “I love playing hockey and competing to win.”
Ovechkin's New Contract
The deal pays a $1 million salary, includes a $4.75 million games-played bonus for 10 games, and carries a $3.25 million signing bonus. Its average annual value is $4.25 million, and the extension gives Washington another year with its captain and franchise centerpiece.
Chris Patrick announced the re-signing on behalf of the Washington Capitals. Ted Leonsis said, “We are excited to have Alex return and continue his illustrious career,” and added, “Ever since we drafted him, there have been two constants: his love for the game and his relentless drive to win.”
Washington Capitals History
Ovechkin first arrived as the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, then captained the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. He has 1,687 points in 1,573 career games with Washington, along with 929 goals and 758 assists.
His record book is even deeper than the headline number. He has 331 power-play goals, 141 game-winning goals, 27 overtime goals, 476 road goals, 154 game-opening goals, 155 game-tying goals, 297 go-ahead goals, and 72 empty-net goals. He also ranks second all-time in even-strength goals with 593 and in multi-goal games with 185.
September And Beyond
Ovechkin turns 41 in September, yet he is still set for a 22nd season with one franchise. That places him with Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby among the only players in NHL history to reach 22 seasons with one franchise, and the extension will make him the longest-tenured athlete in the history of Washington, D.C. professional sports.
The 2026-27 campaign will be his 18th season as captain. Ovechkin said, “Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision,” and finished with, “See you in September, DC!”
