Alex Ovechkin isn’t done yet.
After weeks of wondering whether retirement was coming, the Washington Capitals ended the suspense on Thursday by announcing that their captain is returning for the 2026-27 season. Ovechkin will play on a one-year contract worth $4.25 million, putting off any exit from the NHL for at least another year.
The deal comes with plenty of bonus money built in. According to Chris Johnston, Ovechkin will earn $9 million next season if he plays 10 games. The contract includes a $3.25 million signing bonus, a $1 million salary and a $4.75 million bonus once he reaches 10 games played.
Ovechkin will be 41 before the season begins, but he’s still adding to one of the most remarkable careers the league has ever seen. Drafted No. 1 overall by Washington in 2004, he is set to enter his 22nd season with the Capitals.
And even at 40, he was still producing. Ovechkin played all 82 games in 2025-26 and finished with 32 goals and 32 assists.
His career numbers remain in a class of their own. Ovechkin owns the NHL record with 929 goals, and he also holds the league marks for power play goals, game-winning goals and shots on goal.
He’s not the same player he was at his peak, but the Capitals are still getting a forward with elite offensive instincts and that unmistakable slapshot that has punished goalies for years.
For Washington, the important part was simple: they didn’t have to say goodbye just yet.
The Great 8 is back for one more.
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Police detained a man after he barricaded himself inside the home, and authorities later released his mugshot as the investigation continued. What had already been a heartbreaking scene has now become an even more painful one for the Campbells, with the case moving forward under a cloud of grief and unanswered questions. [Read more 🡒]
Mike Greens Unusual Offseason Experiment Will Have Ravens Fans Watching Closely
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Greens work has already given a glimpse of why the Ravens are paying attention, since the drill is designed to force him to absorb contact, reset and control the engagement instead of getting moved off his spot. Theres still more to learn about how far hes taken the experiment and how it fits into his broader training plan, and thats the sort of detail that should come into focus once camp opens and the questions get a little more specific. [Read more 🡒]
One Ravens Corner Is Suddenly Pushing For A Bigger Role
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Tampa has already carved out a role as a special teams contributor, and his recent work has only added to the sense that he could be ready for more than spot duty. If the starting corners stay healthy, the path stays crowded, but if the Ravens need another reliable body in the defensive rotation, Tampa has at least put himself in position to be part of that conversation. [Read more 🡒]