Ovechkin Re-Signs With Capitals on 1-Year Deal for Final NHL Season

Capitals lock in Ovechkin for 2025-26

The Capitals brought back Alexander Ovechkin for what looks like his final NHL season. Washington missed the playoffs last year but is retooling around the legend.

Ovechkin stays a Capital: Legend signs one-year deal for 22nd NHL season...

Alexander Ovechkin is staying in Washington. The Russian forward signed a one-year deal with the Capitals for what looks like his final NHL season. He’s said before that he wants to end his career playing at home. 

 

Ovechkin’s base pay is $1 million, but performance bonuses could push the deal to $9 million total. He gets $3.25 million guaranteed just for signing, and another $4.75 million if he suits up for at least 10 games. Contracts like this are common for veteran players.

This will be Ovechkin’s 22nd NHL season. He came into the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft and has only ever played for Washington, the team he won a Stanley Cup with. The Russian is also the NHL’s all-time regular-season goal leader with 929, and he’ll get a chance to extend that record. 

Across his career, Ovechkin has logged 1,573 regular-season games with 929 goals and 758 assists. He’s also played 161 playoff games, putting up 77 goals and 70 assists.

“I'm back. Thank you to everyone who gave me and my family time to make this decision. I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and winning. I'm excited to continue in Washington. We'll fight for the playoffs and a chance to win,” he said.

The Capitals aren’t viewed as Stanley Cup favorites right now, but chasing another title will be the goal, especially for Ovechkin in his final season. Washington’s front office is pushing to build a stronger roster, recently adding veterans like Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner, and Alex Tuch. 

IT'S SO NOT O-VER, BABES‼️

The Washington Capitals have re-signed captain Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract extension. Ovechkin’s contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.#ALLCAPS | #Gr8ness pic.twitter.com/MFudDudbiu

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 2, 2026

On the blue line, the team added Vincent Desharnais and Justin Holl for more depth, while Slovak defenseman Martin Fehervary remains a key piece. Washington missed the playoffs last season and has only gotten past Round 1 once in the last eight years.