The Washington Capitals completed the regular season as the best team in the Eastern Conference but fell in five games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In much better news for the franchise, team captain Alex Ovechkin confirmed Saturday that he will return for a 21st NHL season in 2025-26
Ovechkin, however, joked that earning a roster spot at his age might not be a guarantee.
“First of all, [I have] to make a roster at 40 years old,” Ovechkin said during the end-of-season media availability. “I have to pass the skating test.”
Ovechkin, who turns 40 in September, still has one year left on the five-year, $47.5 million contract he signed in 2021.
After surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record at the end of the regular season, Ovechkin ended the campaign with 44 goals and 73 points in 65 games despite missing time with a broken leg
“I’m going to use those couple months [in the offseason] to rest, enjoy my life, then back to work,” Ovechkin said. “Me and [trainer Pavel Burlachenko are] going do our job to get ready for the season and just do my best.”
Ovechkin also laughed off speculation about retiring before his current contract is over, joking about his most immediate plans.
“I just packed my stuff. I’m going to (the Capitals AHL affiliate team in) Hershey. They have playoffs, so I’ll see you there.”
While he’s noncommittal about what happens after 2025-26, Ovechkin said his immediate goal is to help the Capitals contend again.
“I’m looking forward for next year,” Ovechkin said. “I’m going to try to do my best to play, and my team is going to help me too.
”I just want to come back next year and see the team who’s capable of winning the Stanley Cup.”
