Ovechkin to retire after 22nd NHL season — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Ovechkin, 41, released a statement through the Capitals saying "I know in my heart it is the right decision," announcing his retirement ahead of the team's first home game so he could thank those who supported him through his career.
- Ovechkin's 929 career goals sit 35 ahead of Wayne Gretzky's previous record of 894, and last season he posted his NHL-record 20th 30-goal campaign while leading or co-leading Washington in goals for a 21st consecutive year.
- Ovechkin signed a one-year, $4.25 million AAV deal this summer after playing all 82 games last season with 32 goals and 64 points, with a potential $4.75 million performance bonus triggered by his 10th game appearance.
- Coach Spencer Carbery managed Ovechkin's workload last season, with his average ice time falling to a career-low 17:27 as the team looked to maximize its aging captain.
- The Capitals added wingers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou in a splashy offseason and enter this year considered Eastern Conference contenders, a year after missing the playoffs despite Ovechkin's 32 goals.
- Ovechkin's final regular-season home game is set against longtime rival Sidney Crosby; the two join Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Stan Mikita, and Steve Yzerman as the only players in NHL history to play 22 seasons with one franchise.
Why it matters: The Capitals rebuilt their roster this offseason — landing wingers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou — to contend in Ovechkin's final season after missing last year's playoffs despite his 32 goals. His retirement also closes the Ovechkin-Crosby rivalry that has anchored the NHL since 2005.
Ask SkimNews
