07/02/26 11:59:00
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07/02 11:57 CDT Alex Ovechkin returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing
with the Capitals
Alex Ovechkin returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Capitals
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
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 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. "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.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL
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