Alex Ovechkin returned to the Washington Capitals on a one-year contract (Image via Getty Images) Alex Ovechkin’s legacy in the NHL is already cemented. The captain of the Washington Capitals is back for his 22nd NHL season, and he begins the 2026-27 season as the League’s all-time leader in regular-season goals with 929. His one-year deal followed an offseason decision-making process that included discussions with his family, including his wife Anastasia “Nastya” Shubskaya.But away from the Capital One Arena and the pressure that comes with his career, Ovechkin’s priorities seem different. His hockey career has been intertwined with his family’s, with his two sons, Sergei and Ilya, often in the midst of the Capitals. The family dynamic also factored into Ovechkin’s decision to stay in Washington for another season.
Alex Ovechkin’s family shapes Washington Capitals’ future
Ovechkin’s previous deal was set to expire in 2026, and retirement was a real possibility. The decision wasn’t just about his on-ice production. Ovechkin said he needed to speak with his family to determine whether another NHL season made sense.And that family talk was a factor in him coming back. Ovechkin later credited his wife, Nastya, for helping to push him to stay in the game. Then the Washington Capitals signed their captain to a one-year deal for the 2026-27 season.Ovechkin’s kids grew up in the Washington Capitals environment. Sergei, named for Ovechkin’s late older brother, has been a fixture around the team and has been involved in some memorable father-son moments during games. Ilya has also attended Capitals games with his mother.The team relationship became of special importance during Ovechkin’s offseason decision in 2026. NHL.com reported that Sergei and Ilya wanted their dad to play and liked both Washington and the Capitals organization.
Alex Ovechkin’s wife and sons anchor life
Anastasia Shubskaya has been a prominent part of Ovechkin’s personal life since they tied the knot in 2016. Ovechkin has been in the spotlight for most of his adult life, but his family has generally kept a lower profile.That privacy hasn’t stopped Shubskaya from influencing major decisions. When he was thinking about whether or not he was going to keep playing in the NHL, Ovechkin specifically said his wife was the first person in his family he talked to about it. Her encouragement had encouraged him to come back for another season.Fatherhood has become intertwined with Ovechkin’s career. Sergei and Ilya grew up watching their father play for the Washington Capitals and have become familiar faces around the organization.Their presence has also lent a personal element to Ovechkin’s historic goal-scoring chase. Sergei had celebrated his father’s goals from behind the glass before, as Ovechkin would acknowledge his son after scoring, NHL.com had shown.
Alex Ovechkin eyes Moscow after Washington Capitals
Ovechkin’s connection to Moscow isn’t just because he’s Russian. In September 2026, he confirmed that he plans to live in Russia after his professional hockey career ends. He called Moscow his hometown and said his family, loved ones and friends were there, Reuters reported.The story is not about retirement, for now. Ovechkin signed a one-year contract in July and is entering his 22nd season in the NHL with Washington. The Capitals said the deal includes a $1 million salary and a $3.25 million signing bonus and a $4.75 million games-played bonus.His NHL future beyond this season is less certain. But what’s clearer is how much family has mattered in his career decisions and Moscow’s role in his eventual plans. For a player whose pro identity has been defined by Washington, the next chapter could look very different once his time on the ice is over.