'I'm Back!' NHL's Ovechkin Will Play Another Season

It's great news for the Washington Capitals, maybe less so for all those who shelled out big bucks last season for what they thought would be Alex Ovechkin's final NHL games. Turns out, he's returning for another season. The Capitals on Thursday said their 40-year-old captain—and the league's career leader in goals—has signed a one-year extension for the 2026-27 season to keep him in DC for a 22nd year. He'll make $9 million as long as he appears in at least 10 games, reports the Sporting News.

"I'm back!" Ovechkin said in a statement, per the Washington Post. "Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. ... See you in September, DC!" Ovechkin, who turns 41 before the season starts, played all 82 games last year, posting 32 goals and 32 assists. As for those fans who paid big money last season, it's not Ovechkin's fault. He never said he would retire, only that it was a possibility.