Capitals' Alex Ovechkin nursing minor injury; unsure of future beyond '25-'26

Field Level Media|published: 09/18/2025, 6:12pm EDT

May 15, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) kneels on the ice after a stoppage in play against the Carolina Hurricanes in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin becomes an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season, and the Washington Capitals star said Thursday that he doesn't know his future beyond his current contract.

Ovechkin, who turned 40 on Wednesday, is entering his 21st NHL season amid speculation that it will be his last. In May, the Capitals' sales department sent an email that prematurely alluded to the 2025-26 season as Ovechkin's last, which the team retracted.

The Russian has also said that he wants to finish his professional playing career with the same team where it began, Dynamo Moscow of the KHL.

"I don't know if this is going to be the last," Ovechkin told reporters Thursday. "We'll see."

Ovechkin said he came back to the Washington area about a week ago. He hasn't discussed his future with the Capitals' front office.

"I'm pretty sure we have lots of time to talk," he quipped.

Ovechkin is also dealing with a lower-body injury to open training camp and sat out practice Thursday.

However, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery told reporters the injury was "nothing significant" and described Ovechkin as day-to-day, with no concern for a long-term absence.

The forward became the league's all-time leading goal-scorer last spring, passing Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894 goals in the final weeks of the season. Ovechkin netted 44 goals in 2024-25 to bring the record total to 897.

He also has amassed 726 assists for 1,623 career points in 1,491 games, played entirely for the Capitals.

--Field Level Media