Category: Ice Hockey

In an offseason full of surprises for the Anaheim Ducks and the NHL as a whole, one of the most underdiscussed stories is the signing of 18-year-old Nikita Klepov to his entry-level contract in late July. 

During the first round of the 2026 NHL draft, the Ducks traded young center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the 15th overall pick (Klepov) and the 29th overall pick. Following the draft, general manager Pat Verbeek remarked that Klepov could be on a “fast track” to the NHL despite his commitment to Michigan State University, where he was slated to begin his collegiate career in 2026-27.

Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 OT Win over the Panthers

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-3 Win over the Golden Knights

Klepov decided his development had advanced beyond the CHL; in his first year in the OHL, he led the league in scoring with 97 points (37-60=97) in 67 games. The Ducks seemed to agree and took it a step further by signing him to his ELC. 

As 2026-27 is his draft+1 season, Klepov is ineligible to play in the AHL and is now ineligible to play in the NCAA. He must either play in the NHL or head back to the OHL this season. The Ducks have the option of sending him to the San Diego Gulls in the AHL for a 14-day (maximum) conditioning stint if the team scratches him for five consecutive games. 

To begin his NHL career, Klepov has been healthy-scratched through the Ducks’ first two games of the season. They opened their schedule on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights and traveled home to host the Florida Panthers. Those first two opponents represent not only cup-contenders, but two of the more physical teams in the NHL.

In a season where the Ducks moved on from McTavish and fellow top-six forward Chris Kreider, compounded by the fact that they’ll be without forward Troy Terry for the first 2-3 months of the season, they’ll be relying on young pieces to step into scoring roles. Klepov presently has clear top-six skill, and if he can mitigate some of what the Ducks will be without, his services would be a welcome addition. 

However true that may be, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville and (presumably) Verbeek felt it best for him not to make his debut this past weekend against Vegas or Florida.

“Well, it's early, and we're going to get him in a game here real soon. And, I think that offensively, I think he's got some great feel to the game,” Quenneville said before their season-opener in Las Vegas on Friday. “He's got a great understanding of the game. You know, he's 18. There's some big guys on our opponents tonight. It's a different night than maybe some other teams. 

“And so, watching's not a bad thing, and getting to observe and watching some situations that put yourself in that spot: what would you do, and how would you handle it? But we'll get to see him play.”

Verbeek and the Ducks are no strangers to playing their young future stars in the NHL right away or sooner than perhaps anticipated. A year ago, there were heavy assumptions and speculation that now-star Beckett Sennecke would play his 2025-26 (his D+2) season in the OHL and return to the Oshawa Generals. Under Quenneville and due to injury elsewhere on the depth chart, he played early and often and was allowed to make mistakes, learn on the fly, and ultimately became a Calder Trophy finalist.

After Leo Carlsson’s draft year, it was speculated he’d return to the SHL to play for Örebro again in 2023-24. Instead, Verbeek, the Ducks front office, and the coaching/development staff concocted a game-management plan for their future franchise player that would let him play two games per week, build strength on off days, and avoid burning out halfway through the season, as is common among young rookies. 

The fruits of the development plan were never fully realized, as Carlsson spent a significant amount of time injured during his rookie year. However, the blueprint is well-regarded league-wide, and Carlsson is now flourishing into the next generation of NHL stars. The Ducks seem to be eyeing a similar development model for Klepov in his D+1 season. 

When asked about it, Quenneville said, “I would say there's some balance to that thought process, exactly like that.”

The Ducks won their first two games against the Knights and Panthers, so it will be curious to see if the coaching staff decides to insert Klepov anywhere in the lineup. It’s too early to draw conclusions regarding Anaheim’s possession numbers just two games into the year, but sliding him into the middle six (or top nine), as presently constructed, would give the depth chart a boost beneath Carlsson, Sennecke, and Cutter Gauthier, who are driving the entirety of the early offense for the Ducks. 

Next on the Ducks’ schedule is another cup-favorite team: the Edmonton Oilers, who will travel to Anaheim for a matchup on Wednesday. Their roster has had an early run in with the injury bug, as they’ve been incredibly top-heavy up front, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Mattias Janmark, and Matthew Savoie all on IR. 

With Edmonton running a lineup with little to no depth, and with the Ducks having the benefit of last change, the game on Wednesday may be as good a time as any for Klepov to make his NHL debut. However, Quenneville has made a habit of being reluctant to alter a lineup that won the game prior in any meaningful way. 

Following their game against the Oilers on Wednesday, the Ducks will head to Winnipeg to take on the Jets on Friday, followed by a home-and-home against the Calgary Flames. One would be surprised if Klepov returned to Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 13, having not made his debut. Beyond that, it’s conceivable his usage will be driven by performance vs. development. 

Who is Tristan Luneau, and Why did the Anaheim Ducks Sign Him to a Huge Extension?

Ducks Sign Tristan Luneau to Six-Year Contract Extension

Anaheim Ducks Submit 2026-27 Season-Opening Roster

Ducks Alumni Partner with Warrior of Life Fund for Face Off for Heroes

In an offseason full of surprises for the Anaheim Ducks and the NHL as a whole, one of the most underdiscussed stories is the signing of 18-year-old Nikita Klepov to his entry-level contract in late July. 

During the first round of the 2026 NHL draft, the Ducks traded young center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the 15th overall pick (Klepov) and the 29th overall pick. Following the draft, general manager Pat Verbeek remarked that Klepov could be on a “fast track” to the NHL despite his commitment to Michigan State University, where he was slated to begin his collegiate career in 2026-27.

Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 OT Win over the Panthers

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-3 Win over the Golden Knights

Klepov decided his development had advanced beyond the CHL; in his first year in the OHL, he led the league in scoring with 97 points (37-60=97) in 67 games. The Ducks seemed to agree and took it a step further by signing him to his ELC. 

As 2026-27 is his draft+1 season, Klepov is ineligible to play in the AHL and is now ineligible to play in the NCAA. He must either play in the NHL or head back to the OHL this season. The Ducks have the option of sending him to the San Diego Gulls in the AHL for a 14-day (maximum) conditioning stint if the team scratches him for five consecutive games. 

To begin his NHL career, Klepov has been healthy-scratched through the Ducks’ first two games of the season. They opened their schedule on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights and traveled home to host the Florida Panthers. Those first two opponents represent not only cup-contenders, but two of the more physical teams in the NHL.

In a season where the Ducks moved on from McTavish and fellow top-six forward Chris Kreider, compounded by the fact that they’ll be without forward Troy Terry for the first 2-3 months of the season, they’ll be relying on young pieces to step into scoring roles. Klepov presently has clear top-six skill, and if he can mitigate some of what the Ducks will be without, his services would be a welcome addition. 

However true that may be, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville and (presumably) Verbeek felt it best for him not to make his debut this past weekend against Vegas or Florida.

“Well, it's early, and we're going to get him in a game here real soon. And, I think that offensively, I think he's got some great feel to the game,” Quenneville said before their season-opener in Las Vegas on Friday. “He's got a great understanding of the game. You know, he's 18. There's some big guys on our opponents tonight. It's a different night than maybe some other teams. 

“And so, watching's not a bad thing, and getting to observe and watching some situations that put yourself in that spot: what would you do, and how would you handle it? But we'll get to see him play.”

Verbeek and the Ducks are no strangers to playing their young future stars in the NHL right away or sooner than perhaps anticipated. A year ago, there were heavy assumptions and speculation that now-star Beckett Sennecke would play his 2025-26 (his D+2) season in the OHL and return to the Oshawa Generals. Under Quenneville and due to injury elsewhere on the depth chart, he played early and often and was allowed to make mistakes, learn on the fly, and ultimately became a Calder Trophy finalist.

After Leo Carlsson’s draft year, it was speculated he’d return to the SHL to play for Örebro again in 2023-24. Instead, Verbeek, the Ducks front office, and the coaching/development staff concocted a game-management plan for their future franchise player that would let him play two games per week, build strength on off days, and avoid burning out halfway through the season, as is common among young rookies. 

The fruits of the development plan were never fully realized, as Carlsson spent a significant amount of time injured during his rookie year. However, the blueprint is well-regarded league-wide, and Carlsson is now flourishing into the next generation of NHL stars. The Ducks seem to be eyeing a similar development model for Klepov in his D+1 season. 

When asked about it, Quenneville said, “I would say there's some balance to that thought process, exactly like that.”

The Ducks won their first two games against the Knights and Panthers, so it will be curious to see if the coaching staff decides to insert Klepov anywhere in the lineup. It’s too early to draw conclusions regarding Anaheim’s possession numbers just two games into the year, but sliding him into the middle six (or top nine), as presently constructed, would give the depth chart a boost beneath Carlsson, Sennecke, and Cutter Gauthier, who are driving the entirety of the early offense for the Ducks. 

Next on the Ducks’ schedule is another cup-favorite team: the Edmonton Oilers, who will travel to Anaheim for a matchup on Wednesday. Their roster has had an early run in with the injury bug, as they’ve been incredibly top-heavy up front, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Mattias Janmark, and Matthew Savoie all on IR. 

With Edmonton running a lineup with little to no depth, and with the Ducks having the benefit of last change, the game on Wednesday may be as good a time as any for Klepov to make his NHL debut. However, Quenneville has made a habit of being reluctant to alter a lineup that won the game prior in any meaningful way. 

Following their game against the Oilers on Wednesday, the Ducks will head to Winnipeg to take on the Jets on Friday, followed by a home-and-home against the Calgary Flames. One would be surprised if Klepov returned to Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 13, having not made his debut. Beyond that, it’s conceivable his usage will be driven by performance vs. development. 

Who is Tristan Luneau, and Why did the Anaheim Ducks Sign Him to a Huge Extension?

Ducks Sign Tristan Luneau to Six-Year Contract Extension

Anaheim Ducks Submit 2026-27 Season-Opening Roster

Ducks Alumni Partner with Warrior of Life Fund for Face Off for Heroes

In an offseason full of surprises for the Anaheim Ducks and the NHL as a whole, one of the most underdiscussed stories is the signing of 18-year-old Nikita Klepov to his entry-level contract in late July. 

During the first round of the 2026 NHL draft, the Ducks traded young center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the 15th overall pick (Klepov) and the 29th overall pick. Following the draft, general manager Pat Verbeek remarked that Klepov could be on a “fast track” to the NHL despite his commitment to Michigan State University, where he was slated to begin his collegiate career in 2026-27.

Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 OT Win over the Panthers

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-3 Win over the Golden Knights

Klepov decided his development had advanced beyond the CHL; in his first year in the OHL, he led the league in scoring with 97 points (37-60=97) in 67 games. The Ducks seemed to agree and took it a step further by signing him to his ELC. 

As 2026-27 is his draft+1 season, Klepov is ineligible to play in the AHL and is now ineligible to play in the NCAA. He must either play in the NHL or head back to the OHL this season. The Ducks have the option of sending him to the San Diego Gulls in the AHL for a 14-day (maximum) conditioning stint if the team scratches him for five consecutive games. 

To begin his NHL career, Klepov has been healthy-scratched through the Ducks’ first two games of the season. They opened their schedule on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights and traveled home to host the Florida Panthers. Those first two opponents represent not only cup-contenders, but two of the more physical teams in the NHL.

In a season where the Ducks moved on from McTavish and fellow top-six forward Chris Kreider, compounded by the fact that they’ll be without forward Troy Terry for the first 2-3 months of the season, they’ll be relying on young pieces to step into scoring roles. Klepov presently has clear top-six skill, and if he can mitigate some of what the Ducks will be without, his services would be a welcome addition. 

However true that may be, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville and (presumably) Verbeek felt it best for him not to make his debut this past weekend against Vegas or Florida.

“Well, it's early, and we're going to get him in a game here real soon. And, I think that offensively, I think he's got some great feel to the game,” Quenneville said before their season-opener in Las Vegas on Friday. “He's got a great understanding of the game. You know, he's 18. There's some big guys on our opponents tonight. It's a different night than maybe some other teams. 

“And so, watching's not a bad thing, and getting to observe and watching some situations that put yourself in that spot: what would you do, and how would you handle it? But we'll get to see him play.”

Verbeek and the Ducks are no strangers to playing their young future stars in the NHL right away or sooner than perhaps anticipated. A year ago, there were heavy assumptions and speculation that now-star Beckett Sennecke would play his 2025-26 (his D+2) season in the OHL and return to the Oshawa Generals. Under Quenneville and due to injury elsewhere on the depth chart, he played early and often and was allowed to make mistakes, learn on the fly, and ultimately became a Calder Trophy finalist.

After Leo Carlsson’s draft year, it was speculated he’d return to the SHL to play for Örebro again in 2023-24. Instead, Verbeek, the Ducks front office, and the coaching/development staff concocted a game-management plan for their future franchise player that would let him play two games per week, build strength on off days, and avoid burning out halfway through the season, as is common among young rookies. 

The fruits of the development plan were never fully realized, as Carlsson spent a significant amount of time injured during his rookie year. However, the blueprint is well-regarded league-wide, and Carlsson is now flourishing into the next generation of NHL stars. The Ducks seem to be eyeing a similar development model for Klepov in his D+1 season. 

When asked about it, Quenneville said, “I would say there's some balance to that thought process, exactly like that.”

The Ducks won their first two games against the Knights and Panthers, so it will be curious to see if the coaching staff decides to insert Klepov anywhere in the lineup. It’s too early to draw conclusions regarding Anaheim’s possession numbers just two games into the year, but sliding him into the middle six (or top nine), as presently constructed, would give the depth chart a boost beneath Carlsson, Sennecke, and Cutter Gauthier, who are driving the entirety of the early offense for the Ducks. 

Next on the Ducks’ schedule is another cup-favorite team: the Edmonton Oilers, who will travel to Anaheim for a matchup on Wednesday. Their roster has had an early run in with the injury bug, as they’ve been incredibly top-heavy up front, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Mattias Janmark, and Matthew Savoie all on IR. 

With Edmonton running a lineup with little to no depth, and with the Ducks having the benefit of last change, the game on Wednesday may be as good a time as any for Klepov to make his NHL debut. However, Quenneville has made a habit of being reluctant to alter a lineup that won the game prior in any meaningful way. 

Following their game against the Oilers on Wednesday, the Ducks will head to Winnipeg to take on the Jets on Friday, followed by a home-and-home against the Calgary Flames. One would be surprised if Klepov returned to Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 13, having not made his debut. Beyond that, it’s conceivable his usage will be driven by performance vs. development. 

Who is Tristan Luneau, and Why did the Anaheim Ducks Sign Him to a Huge Extension?

Ducks Sign Tristan Luneau to Six-Year Contract Extension

Anaheim Ducks Submit 2026-27 Season-Opening Roster

Ducks Alumni Partner with Warrior of Life Fund for Face Off for Heroes

Evgeni Malkin broke a personal protocol by talking to the media on the day of a game. He had good reason to, coming on the heels of his peer Alex Ovechkin’s announcement that he will be retiring from the NHL at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

Evgeni Malkin's reaction to the Alex Ovechkin news:

"It's hard because he’s legend, fans love him. He’s done everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game." https://t.co/yaEQu6L8L9

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 5, 2026

Evgeni Malkin on Alex Ovechkin who announced this morning that this will he his final NHL season. @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/ZRZyiHFJVu

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) October 5, 2026

Malkin and Ovechkin have had an evolving relationship over the years. As young players, they came out of Russia at the same time. Ovechkin was drafted first by Washington in 2004 (a pick that the Penguins, who finished last in the NHL in 2003-04 easily could have had..) and then Pittsburgh took Malkin with the second pick.

Since then, the two have been among the prolific players in the world. Ovechkin has scored 929 goals, Malkin has 1,411 points, both in the top-three in scoring along with Sidney Crosby. The two have battled in the playoffs several times and have multitudes of championships, scoring titles, MVP awards and other achievements between each other.

The two have had their ups and downs personally as well, highlighted by a fight involving Ovechkin and Malkin’s agent. Their relationship has ranged between being competitive rivals to that personal frostiness to now a détente of mutual respect. Malkin and Sidney Crosby gifted Ovechkin with a Rolex in 2025 in recognition of breaking the all-time goal record. Often times when the Penguins and Capitals play, Malkin and Ovechkin will spend time together at one another’s house the night before the game – including last April when images of Malkin playing hallway hockey with Ovechkin’s boys at their house hit social media.

Crosby also spoke this morning about Ovechkin’s announcement.

Sidney Crosby on Alex Ovechkin who announced this morning that this will be is final NHL season. @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/bN3tnC6kuq

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) October 5, 2026

Malkin’s playing future remains more uncertain. At the beginning of camp he didn’t rule out the desire to play beyond 2026-27, depending on how his health and performance during this upcoming year. So far it’s been so good on that front, Malkin joined Gordie Howe as the only players to start a 40+ year old season with four point in the first two games of a season.

The Penguins and Capitals have four games this season, starting Wednesday night in DC. The other games will be January 18 and March 13 in Pittsburgh, followed by one more meeting back in Washington on April 4th for the final times that Malkin and Ovechkin will share the ice in the NHL.

Evgeni Malkin broke a personal protocol by talking to the media on the day of a game. He had good reason to, coming on the heels of his peer Alex Ovechkin’s announcement that he will be retiring from the NHL at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

Evgeni Malkin's reaction to the Alex Ovechkin news:

"It's hard because he’s legend, fans love him. He’s done everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game." https://t.co/yaEQu6L8L9

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 5, 2026

Evgeni Malkin on Alex Ovechkin who announced this morning that this will he his final NHL season. @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/ZRZyiHFJVu

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) October 5, 2026

Malkin and Ovechkin have had an evolving relationship over the years. As young players, they came out of Russia at the same time. Ovechkin was drafted first by Washington in 2004 (a pick that the Penguins, who finished last in the NHL in 2003-04 easily could have had..) and then Pittsburgh took Malkin with the second pick.

Since then, the two have been among the prolific players in the world. Ovechkin has scored 929 goals, Malkin has 1,411 points, both in the top-three in scoring along with Sidney Crosby. The two have battled in the playoffs several times and have multitudes of championships, scoring titles, MVP awards and other achievements between each other.

The two have had their ups and downs personally as well, highlighted by a fight involving Ovechkin and Malkin’s agent. Their relationship has ranged between being competitive rivals to that personal frostiness to now a détente of mutual respect. Malkin and Sidney Crosby gifted Ovechkin with a Rolex in 2025 in recognition of breaking the all-time goal record. Often times when the Penguins and Capitals play, Malkin and Ovechkin will spend time together at one another’s house the night before the game – including last April when images of Malkin playing hallway hockey with Ovechkin’s boys at their house hit social media.

Crosby also spoke this morning about Ovechkin’s announcement.

Sidney Crosby on Alex Ovechkin who announced this morning that this will be is final NHL season. @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/bN3tnC6kuq

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) October 5, 2026

Malkin’s playing future remains more uncertain. At the beginning of camp he didn’t rule out the desire to play beyond 2026-27, depending on how his health and performance during this upcoming year. So far it’s been so good on that front, Malkin joined Gordie Howe as the only players to start a 40+ year old season with four point in the first two games of a season.

The Penguins and Capitals have four games this season, starting Wednesday night in DC. The other games will be January 18 and March 13 in Pittsburgh, followed by one more meeting back in Washington on April 4th for the final times that Malkin and Ovechkin will share the ice in the NHL.

Evgeni Malkin broke a personal protocol by talking to the media on the day of a game. He had good reason to, coming on the heels of his peer Alex Ovechkin’s announcement that he will be retiring from the NHL at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

Evgeni Malkin's reaction to the Alex Ovechkin news:

"It's hard because he’s legend, fans love him. He’s done everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game." https://t.co/yaEQu6L8L9

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 5, 2026

Evgeni Malkin on Alex Ovechkin who announced this morning that this will he his final NHL season. @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/ZRZyiHFJVu

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) October 5, 2026

Malkin and Ovechkin have had an evolving relationship over the years. As young players, they came out of Russia at the same time. Ovechkin was drafted first by Washington in 2004 (a pick that the Penguins, who finished last in the NHL in 2003-04 easily could have had..) and then Pittsburgh took Malkin with the second pick.

Since then, the two have been among the prolific players in the world. Ovechkin has scored 929 goals, Malkin has 1,411 points, both in the top-three in scoring along with Sidney Crosby. The two have battled in the playoffs several times and have multitudes of championships, scoring titles, MVP awards and other achievements between each other.

The two have had their ups and downs personally as well, highlighted by a fight involving Ovechkin and Malkin’s agent. Their relationship has ranged between being competitive rivals to that personal frostiness to now a détente of mutual respect. Malkin and Sidney Crosby gifted Ovechkin with a Rolex in 2025 in recognition of breaking the all-time goal record. Often times when the Penguins and Capitals play, Malkin and Ovechkin will spend time together at one another’s house the night before the game – including last April when images of Malkin playing hallway hockey with Ovechkin’s boys at their house hit social media.

Crosby also spoke this morning about Ovechkin’s announcement.

Sidney Crosby on Alex Ovechkin who announced this morning that this will be is final NHL season. @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/bN3tnC6kuq

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) October 5, 2026

Malkin’s playing future remains more uncertain. At the beginning of camp he didn’t rule out the desire to play beyond 2026-27, depending on how his health and performance during this upcoming year. So far it’s been so good on that front, Malkin joined Gordie Howe as the only players to start a 40+ year old season with four point in the first two games of a season.

The Penguins and Capitals have four games this season, starting Wednesday night in DC. The other games will be January 18 and March 13 in Pittsburgh, followed by one more meeting back in Washington on April 4th for the final times that Malkin and Ovechkin will share the ice in the NHL.

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin, 41, said on Monday, Oct. 5 in a statement released by the Capitals. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.

"It was important for me to make his announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

The announcement was made on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, when he scored twice.

Ovechkin, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 out of Russia, holds the NHL record with 929 goals. He had passed Wayne Gretzky's 894-goal mark in the 2024-25 season and hit 900 goals in 2025-26.

After the Capitals missed the playoffs, he headed into the offseason saying he'd talk with his family about whether to return. Washington was busy, adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais.

Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2. He will earn $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. His contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.

"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he said. "I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”

Wednesday's game will be against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, who entered the league at the same time as Ovechkin and are considered the greatest players of their generation.

Ovechkin makes announcement to his teammates

Ovechkin has been the Capitals' captain since January 2010 and helped lead the team to its lone Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

He made sure to announce the decision to his teammates on Monday morning.

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin records

• Total goals: 929
• Power play: 331
• Empty net: 72
• Game winners: 141
• Overtime goals: 27
• Goalies scored on: 189
• 30-goal seasons: 20
• 40-goal seasons: 14
• 50-goal seasons: 9, tied for first

Records Alex Ovechkin still chasing

• 20-goal seasons: He's at 21 seasons, one behind Gordie Howe
• Combined regular-season/playoff goals: He's at 1,006, 10 behind Gretzky.
• Even-strength goals: He's at 593, 24 behind Gretzky.

Ovechkin also needs four more assists to break Nicklas Backstrom's team career record of 762 assists.

Alex Ovechkin faced backlash over Russian political video

As training camp opened this season, Ovechkin answered questions about his appearance in a political video for the United Russia Party, which supports President Vladimir Putin.

"They asked me to do this, and I said yes," Ovechkin said, adding, "I'm Russian and I support my country."

Ovechkin and his family spend the offseason in Russia and will go after there after he retires. He had started a social movement supporting Putin ahead of the 2017 Russian presidential election, and a picture of the two of them is the profile picture of the winger's Instagram account. Those ties drew attention after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"I'm for peace and love and I hope everything is going to be OK," he said at camp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals 2026-27 season will be his last in NHL

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin, 41, said on Monday, Oct. 5 in a statement released by the Capitals. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.

"It was important for me to make his announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

The announcement was made on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, when he scored twice.

Ovechkin, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 out of Russia, holds the NHL record with 929 goals. He had passed Wayne Gretzky's 894-goal mark in the 2024-25 season and hit 900 goals in 2025-26.

After the Capitals missed the playoffs, he headed into the offseason saying he'd talk with his family about whether to return. Washington was busy, adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais.

Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2. He will earn $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. His contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.

"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he said. "I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”

Wednesday's game will be against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, who entered the league at the same time as Ovechkin and are considered the greatest players of their generation.

Ovechkin makes announcement to his teammates

Ovechkin has been the Capitals' captain since January 2010 and helped lead the team to its lone Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

He made sure to announce the decision to his teammates on Monday morning.

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin records

• Total goals: 929
• Power play: 331
• Empty net: 72
• Game winners: 141
• Overtime goals: 27
• Goalies scored on: 189
• 30-goal seasons: 20
• 40-goal seasons: 14
• 50-goal seasons: 9, tied for first

Records Alex Ovechkin still chasing

• 20-goal seasons: He's at 21 seasons, one behind Gordie Howe
• Combined regular-season/playoff goals: He's at 1,006, 10 behind Gretzky.
• Even-strength goals: He's at 593, 24 behind Gretzky.

Ovechkin also needs four more assists to break Nicklas Backstrom's team career record of 762 assists.

Alex Ovechkin faced backlash over Russian political video

As training camp opened this season, Ovechkin answered questions about his appearance in a political video for the United Russia Party, which supports President Vladimir Putin.

"They asked me to do this, and I said yes," Ovechkin said, adding, "I'm Russian and I support my country."

Ovechkin and his family spend the offseason in Russia and will go after there after he retires. He had started a social movement supporting Putin ahead of the 2017 Russian presidential election, and a picture of the two of them is the profile picture of the winger's Instagram account. Those ties drew attention after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"I'm for peace and love and I hope everything is going to be OK," he said at camp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals 2026-27 season will be his last in NHL

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin, 41, said on Monday, Oct. 5 in a statement released by the Capitals. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.

"It was important for me to make his announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

The announcement was made on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, when he scored twice.

Ovechkin, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 out of Russia, holds the NHL record with 929 goals. He had passed Wayne Gretzky's 894-goal mark in the 2024-25 season and hit 900 goals in 2025-26.

After the Capitals missed the playoffs, he headed into the offseason saying he'd talk with his family about whether to return. Washington was busy, adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais.

Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2. He will earn $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. His contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.

"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he said. "I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”

Wednesday's game will be against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, who entered the league at the same time as Ovechkin and are considered the greatest players of their generation.

Ovechkin makes announcement to his teammates

Ovechkin has been the Capitals' captain since January 2010 and helped lead the team to its lone Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

He made sure to announce the decision to his teammates on Monday morning.

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin records

• Total goals: 929
• Power play: 331
• Empty net: 72
• Game winners: 141
• Overtime goals: 27
• Goalies scored on: 189
• 30-goal seasons: 20
• 40-goal seasons: 14
• 50-goal seasons: 9, tied for first

Records Alex Ovechkin still chasing

• 20-goal seasons: He's at 21 seasons, one behind Gordie Howe
• Combined regular-season/playoff goals: He's at 1,006, 10 behind Gretzky.
• Even-strength goals: He's at 593, 24 behind Gretzky.

Ovechkin also needs four more assists to break Nicklas Backstrom's team career record of 762 assists.

Alex Ovechkin faced backlash over Russian political video

As training camp opened this season, Ovechkin answered questions about his appearance in a political video for the United Russia Party, which supports President Vladimir Putin.

"They asked me to do this, and I said yes," Ovechkin said, adding, "I'm Russian and I support my country."

Ovechkin and his family spend the offseason in Russia and will go after there after he retires. He had started a social movement supporting Putin ahead of the 2017 Russian presidential election, and a picture of the two of them is the profile picture of the winger's Instagram account. Those ties drew attention after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"I'm for peace and love and I hope everything is going to be OK," he said at camp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals 2026-27 season will be his last in NHL

Washington Capitals great Alex Ovechkin made it official on Monday.

The 2026-2027 season will be his last one in the NHL.

Ovechkin first shared the news with the rest of the Capitals in the locker room, telling the team “this is going to be my last year,” and that it was important to him and his family that his Washington teammates knew the news first:

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin then shared a lengthy statement on social media, noting that he wanted to share the news before Washington’s first home game of the season, which comes on Wednesday night when the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins:

From the #Gr8: pic.twitter.com/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin has appeared in both of Washington’s games this season, a win on Friday night over the Carolina Hurricanes and a loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He notched an assist in Friday night’s win, racking up nearly 13 minutes of ice time, while he played almost 14 minutes in the loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list, scoring the 895th goal of his career in a game against the New York Islanders in April. He currently has 929 career goals, making him the only player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.

Where will Ovechkin stack up among the all-time greats? Download the new SB Nation app, join our NHL community, and share your thoughts!

Washington Capitals great Alex Ovechkin made it official on Monday.

The 2026-2027 season will be his last one in the NHL.

Ovechkin first shared the news with the rest of the Capitals in the locker room, telling the team “this is going to be my last year,” and that it was important to him and his family that his Washington teammates knew the news first:

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin then shared a lengthy statement on social media, noting that he wanted to share the news before Washington’s first home game of the season, which comes on Wednesday night when the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins:

From the #Gr8: pic.twitter.com/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin has appeared in both of Washington’s games this season, a win on Friday night over the Carolina Hurricanes and a loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He notched an assist in Friday night’s win, racking up nearly 13 minutes of ice time, while he played almost 14 minutes in the loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list, scoring the 895th goal of his career in a game against the New York Islanders in April. He currently has 929 career goals, making him the only player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.

Where will Ovechkin stack up among the all-time greats? Download the new SB Nation app, join our NHL community, and share your thoughts!

Washington Capitals great Alex Ovechkin made it official on Monday.

The 2026-2027 season will be his last one in the NHL.

Ovechkin first shared the news with the rest of the Capitals in the locker room, telling the team “this is going to be my last year,” and that it was important to him and his family that his Washington teammates knew the news first:

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin then shared a lengthy statement on social media, noting that he wanted to share the news before Washington’s first home game of the season, which comes on Wednesday night when the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins:

From the #Gr8: pic.twitter.com/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin has appeared in both of Washington’s games this season, a win on Friday night over the Carolina Hurricanes and a loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He notched an assist in Friday night’s win, racking up nearly 13 minutes of ice time, while he played almost 14 minutes in the loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list, scoring the 895th goal of his career in a game against the New York Islanders in April. He currently has 929 career goals, making him the only player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.

Where will Ovechkin stack up among the all-time greats? Download the new SB Nation app, join our NHL community, and share your thoughts!