Ovechkin Announces Retirement, Casting Shadow Over Final Home Opener Against Crosby
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The NHL's most iconic rivalry faces a looming conclusion as Alex Ovechkin confirms the 2026-27 campaign is his last.
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin announced Monday that the 2026-27 campaign will be his final in the NHL, according to CBS Sports. The 41-year-old, who signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract in July, stated he intentionally timed the announcement ahead of Wednesday's home opener at Capital One Arena to thank those who supported him and his family.
The announcement adds significant weight to the matchup against Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby. As reported by CBS Sports, the two icons entered the league together in 2005 and have faced off 100 times, including 25 playoff games. Their rivalry has defined the modern era of the sport, with the pair combining for 231 points across those 100 meetings.
While Ovechkin prepares for retirement, the 39-year-old Crosby is also in the final year of his contract but has stated he has no plans to retire, per CBS Sports. Both players are among a select group including Steve Yzerman, Stan Mikita, Alex Delvecchio, and Gordie Howe to play 22 seasons with a single franchise.
In the NHL regular season, Ovechkin is the all-time leader in several categories: goals (929), power-play goals (331), game-winning goals (141), empty-net goals (72), and overtime goals (27). He trails only Wayne Gretzky's 1,016 total goals when including the postseason. Crosby, meanwhile, sits at 1,109 career assists, just two shy of tying Ray Bourque's franchise record of 1,111 with Boston, as reported by CBS Sports.