Alex Ovechkin to Return for 2026-27 Season on One-Year Deal With Capitals

Alan Dobbins/RMNB

Alex Ovechkin is running it back for another season.

The Washington Capitals confirmed Thursday that the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer will return for the 2026-27 campaign after signing a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in average annual value, extending his legendary run in D.C. to a 22nd NHL season.

The agreement includes a $1 million base salary paired with a $3.25 million signing bonus, along with performance incentives that could significantly increase the total value. If Ovechkin appears in at least 10 games, he will unlock an additional $4.75 million bonus, bringing the potential value of the deal to $9 million.

Ovechkin, now 40, spent the early portion of the offseason evaluating whether to continue playing or step away from the game. Ultimately, the decision came after conversations with his family and the Capitals organization about his role moving forward.

“I took my time with this decision,” Ovechkin said in a statement. “I still feel good physically, I still enjoy competing, and I want to help this team push for success next season.”

Last season, Ovechkin remained a major contributor despite his age, finishing with 32 goals and 32 assists while appearing in all 82 games for Washington. He continues to extend his record-setting career total, now sitting at 929 regular-season goals across 1,573 games.

The Capitals remain hopeful that Ovechkin can still be an impactful piece of their roster, both as a goal scorer and veteran leader, as they look to return to playoff contention in 2026-27.

With his return officially confirmed, Ovechkin adds yet another chapter to a career that has already defined an era of NHL history.