One of the greatest hockey players ever ends his career in the NHL.

Alexandr Ovechkin, one of the greatest hockey players of all time and the all-time leading scorer in NHL history, announced that the current season will be his last in the league. The 41-year-old Russian forward, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Washington Capitals, made the declaration ahead of the team's first home game of the new season. Ovechkin revealed the decision during the summer after discussions with his family. “In my heart, I know this is the right decision,” he said in a statement released by the Capitals. Ovechkin emphasized the importance of making the announcement before the team's first home game, allowing him to thank everyone involved in hockey and those who supported him and his family throughout both successful and challenging times. “Without them, I would not have achieved everything I have in my life,” he added. He expressed excitement about the upcoming season with his teammates and stated that they would work hard to make it a special year. Ovechkin enters his 22nd NHL season with 929 goals in the regular season, surpassing the previous record held by legendary Wayne Gretzky, who scored 894 goals. Last season, Ovechkin further solidified his legacy by scoring 32 goals, marking his 20th season with at least 30 goals, a record in the NHL. This achievement came despite playing all 82 games for the Capitals, contributing 64 points (32 goals and 32 assists). His average ice time dropped to 17 minutes and 27 seconds, the lowest of his NHL career, as coach Spencer Carbery sought to manage his workload for key moments in games. Ovechkin signed a one-year contract with the Capitals this summer, with an average annual value of $4.25 million. Additional bonuses totaling $4.75 million will be activated after he plays his 10th game of the season. The Capitals have also significantly bolstered their roster this summer, adding notable players such as winger Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, preparing for the era after Ovechkin's departure. The Capitals did not qualify for the playoffs last season despite Ovechkin's performance, but they enter the new season as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. Ovechkin's final regular-season game at home will carry symbolic weight, as the Capitals face the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, with whom he has shared a historic rivalry over the past two decades. Both players entered the league in 2005 and have become central figures in modern hockey history. Ovechkin and Crosby will join an exclusive group of players who have played 22 seasons with a single franchise, including Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Stan Mikita, and Steve Yzerman. Ovechkin will conclude his career as the highest goal-scorer in NHL history, with his final tally known only after his farewell season.