Alex Ovechkin's future is up in the air, and according to Frank Seravalli, all bets are off with the Capitals captain, as he could do anything in hockey beyond 2026.
At 39-years of age (40 when the 2025/26 season begins), Alex Ovechkin could retire today and be known as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, but as of right now, he plans to play on.
However, beyond the 2025/26 campaign? According to top NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, anything could happen, with the legendary Russian potentially playing on in the NHL, returning home to the KHL or even retiring, with all options being explored by the star forward.
I'd say be careful if you're putting any predictions on what Ovechkin will do next, I could see him continuing to play; go back and play in Russia; retiring; the world is his oyster; I am not going to be making any predictions.
After an iconic career that dates back to 2005/06 with the Capitals, Ovechkin has earned the right and the respect to call his shots over his future, and while many believe he wants to play in Russia again at some point, he showed this past season with 44 goals that he's got plenty left in the tank.
This past season he also passed Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record in the NHL, as he now sits just three goals shy of 897, and if he has another solid season in 2025/26, there's no reason why he can't keep going and push for 950 regular season goals in his career.
Ultimately, no one but Ovechkin knows what his future holds in hockey, and whether it's Russia, another shot at the Stanley Cup in Washington or riding off into the sunset, whatever happens, we'll one day look back on Ovi as an all-time great in the NHL who has earned the right to do whatever he wants moving forward.
Alex Ovechkin unmoved by NHL abolishing dress code for players in new CBA
The NHL has seemingly nickel-and-dimed Alex Ovechkin’s fashion choices and individuality throughout his career, banning both his tinted visor and tucked jersey.
But now, heading into the twilight of his career, Ovechkin as well as the rest of the players’ association, will be allowed more creative freedom in how they look arriving and departing games.
Over the summer, the NHL and NHLPA signed a collective bargaining agreement extension that includes new language prohibiting teams from implementing a dress code for players. Players are only required to dress “in a manner that is consistent with contemporary fashion norms,” meaning Kyle Kuzma’s oversized pink sweaters are now apparently a go.
The elimination of a mandatory dress code would seem to be something that would potentially excite Ovechkin, the NHL’s new goals king.
A trailblazing hockey player who wears signature yellow skate laces on the ice, Ovechkin has been photographed wearing pants over his pants and once rocked Beats By Dre earbuds during warmups of the Winter Classic — an NHL first. At times though, Ovechkin has also appeared constrained by his ties, removing them emphatically in front of cameras before walking into the locker room.
When speaking to Russian media in July, Ovechkin was asked for his feelings about the abolition of the NHL’s dress code. He was unmoved.
“It makes no difference to me whether I wear jeans or a suit,” Ovechkin said in Russian per Match TV and a Google Translation. “I always feel comfortable.”
And that confidence is something no one could dispute.
The only downer of the change, the new CBA will not take into effect until the 2026-27 season, so Ovechkin would need to sign a new contract and play a 22nd season to finally receive the full freedom he’s always deserved fashion-wise.
