Alex Ovechkin is set to head back to Washington in early September as preparations for the 2025-26 NHL season ramp up. While the Washington Capitals have yet to release their official training camp schedule, players are already participating in informal skates at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
The team’s preseason opener is locked in for September 21. With Ovechkin turning 40 on September 17 and only one year left on his contract, questions linger about whether this will be his final season.
Record-Breaking Season, Global Recognition, and Honors Cement Ovechkin’s Legendary Hockey Career
Last season was another testament to Ovechkin’s remarkable consistency and skill. Even after missing 16 games due to a fractured fibula, he still finished third in the league in goals with 44 and tallied 73 points in 65 games. His crowning moment came in April when he scored his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time scoring record. This achievement added yet another historic milestone to an already legendary career.
Alex Ovechkin (NHL)Ovechkin’s offseason began with a family trip to Turkey, followed by an extended stay in Moscow. He brought home the puck and stick from his record-setting goal to eventually display in his personal museum.
Recognition continued to pour in: he graced the cover of Washingtonian magazine, earned the ESPY award for “Best Record-Breaking Performance,” and won the 2024-25 Mark Messier Leadership Award. These honors underscored his influence both on and off the ice.
Charity Matches, Family Moments, and Ambitious Goals Ahead for the Capitals Star
In July, Ovechkin laced up for the “Match of the Year” charity event, where he was gifted a car, scored a goal, and operated a t-shirt cannon to the delight of fans. He also played in the gala match of the Ovi Cup youth hockey tournament, celebrating his goals record.
In a lighthearted moment, his young son Sergei outshone him in the friendly, scoring four times to his father’s single tally. These appearances reinforced Ovechkin’s enduring popularity and his connection to the next generation of players.
In August, Russian tech company Yandex announced plans to produce a documentary on Ovechkin’s career, while the NHL is reportedly creating its own film project. With the Capitals coming off an Eastern Conference title but falling short in the second playoff round against Carolina, Ovechkin remains locked in on the ultimate prize. His goal for the 2025-26 campaign is as straightforward as it is ambitious: “Play well and try to win the Stanley Cup.”
