Washington Capitals fans woke up Thursday to a wave of confusion. It happened after a social media post claimed Alex Ovechkin had already decided to retire following the 2025-26 season.
A screenshot circulating online showed what appeared to be an official email from the Capitals’ front office, calling next season Ovechkin’s “final NHL season.” That was all it took to spark speculation and premature farewell plans.
But by the afternoon, the Capitals shut it all down. The team said that Ovechkin hasn’t decided about his future and that the email never should’ve said otherwise.
Team Clears the Air, Ovechkin Focused On Next Season
“No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin’s future following the 2025-26 NHL season,” the team said in a post on social media. “An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin’s final year.”
No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin’s future following the 2025-26 NHL season.
— Capitals PR (@CapitalsPR) May 29, 2025
An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin’s final year.
The original claim came from Tony Wolak of The Hockey Writers, who shared a screenshot of the email. Fans and media didn’t take long to question the message’s legitimacy. Sammi Silber from The Hockey News quickly confirmed the email wasn’t an official announcement. She also pointed out a false rumor on Facebook. The rumor claimed Ovechkin would return to Russia next season. Sammi made it clear these stories aren’t true.
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“Neither Washington nor Ovechkin has officially announced anything confirming this, though he intends to play out the final year of his contract,” Silber wrote. “At breakdown day, president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan even said he wouldn’t rule anything out when it came to No. 8 regarding a potential extension.”
Last month, Ovechkin spoke about his future on The Pat McAfee Show. He avoided committing beyond next season but clearly showed he isn’t done yet.
“Well, I have one more year, and we’ll see what’s gonna happen,” Ovechkin said. “I love the team, I love being around the boys, and as long as I can, I will try to stick around and put my great body in the NHL. So we’ll see.”
The 12-time All-Star and three-time MVP led the Capitals with 44 goals in 65 games this past season. He turns 40 in September but remains among the team’s top performers. Retirement may come one day- but not just yet.
Also Read: Washington Capitals Release Major Announcement About Alex Ovechkin’s Retirement
