The Washington Capitals will return from the Olympic break trying to make a postseason push during the final stretch of the 2025–26 season.
On top of questions about whether the Capitals will make the playoffs, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of captain Alex Ovechkin.
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The 40-year-old is in the final season of his five-year, $47.5 million contract, and speculation has intensified about whether this season could mark the end of his NHL career.
Ovechkin spoke to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti on Thursday to reveal where he is in making that decision.
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin prepares for a faceoff.Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
(Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
“No, I don’t know yet,” Ovechkin said. “We have to make a decision. We have to talk with the family, with [Capitals owner] Ted [Leonsis], [general manager Chris Patrick], and then we’ll see.”
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Ovechkin added that a final decision will “probably” have to wait until after the season.
Ovechkin remains productive with 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 59 games played this season. He’s averaging 17:52 of ice time per night, and he has posted a plus-2 plus/minus rating.
Washington is 29-23-7 and sits four points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 23 games remaining. The Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, currently occupying the wild-card spots, have only played 57 games to Washington’s 59.
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“We’re going to have to win almost every game to make the playoffs,” Ovechkin said.
The veteran winger has 919 career goals. He became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer last season, surpassing Wayne Gretzky.
The Capitals will have $36.5 million in salary cap space next offseason but only 16 players under contract, which makes it fair to assume that Ovechkin might have to take a pay cut from his current $9.5 million cap hit if he chooses to return next year.
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Washington hosts the Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.