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Ovechkin Announces Final NHL Season in 2026-27

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 10:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ovechkin Announces Retirement

Alex Ovechkin announced his 2026-27 season will be his final NHL year.
The 41-year-old began his 22nd season 21 years after his October 5, 2005 debut.
He holds the NHL goal record with 929 goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 894 in April 2025.
Ovechkin signed a one-year, $4.25 million AAV contract with a $4.75 million bonus after his 10th game.

Summary

Ovechkin Fuels Cancer Fund

Alex Ovechkin pledged a portion of each Capitals goal to the GR8 CHASE pediatric cancer fund, matched by Monumental.
The GR8 CHASE initiative has raised over $256,000 toward an Alex Ovechkin GR8 CHASE research grant.
Since Ovechkin’s involvement, ASHA grew from 45 programs in 30 cities to 140 programs serving over 8,750 athletes.
Youth hockey participation in the Washington, D.C., region rose 220% overall and 225% among girls since 2005-06.

History

Historical Context

In February 1998 the Nagano Winter Games introduced women’s ice hockey and, for the first time, allowed NHL players to compete, drawing 72 nations and 2,176 athletes, including 42 U.S. hockey participants. The exposure sparked a surge in American youth hockey that eventually produced stars such as Alex Ovechkin. His announced 2026-27 farewell and GR8 CHASE fundraiser echo that legacy.

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Ovechkin Announces Retirement

Alex Ovechkin announced his 2026-27 season will be his final NHL year.
The 41-year-old began his 22nd season 21 years after his October 5, 2005 debut.
He holds the NHL goal record with 929 goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 894 in April 2025.
Ovechkin signed a one-year, $4.25 million AAV contract with a $4.75 million bonus after his 10th game.

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