Aleksander Barkov injury update as Panthers await answer on captain

The Florida Panthers and their fans will have to wait another day to find out how long captain Aleksander Barkov will be out.

Barkov injured his left leg Oct. 1, during a game against the San Jose Sharks. He was playing in his second NHL regular-season game since missing all of the 2025-26 season after having ACL surgery on his right knee.

The Panthers originally hoped to have an answer on Oct. 2, but the team was on the road and the center went to see a doctor on Monday, Oct. 5 after returning home.

"He's in with the doctors today, and we hope to have a more solid answer for you tomorrow," Coach Paul Maurice told reporters.

Maurice didn't put credence in a report that Barkov would miss 10 to 12 weeks.

"Do not bet your hard-earned money on that one," Maurice said. "I know you can bet on everything these days, but hang onto your cash, truly. If I don't don't know, nobody else does."

Aleksander Barkov injury update

Barkov, a three-time winner of the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward, was seeing a doctor on Monday.

Maurice said an announcement should be made on Tuesday.

"We need a certain amount of information before we can make our best estimate, and we don't have that information yet," Maurice said.

Barkov was placed on long-term injured reserve on Oct. 2, meaning he'll have to miss at least 10 games and 24 days.

The 2024 and 2025 champion Panthers missed the playoffs last season because of injuries to Barkov and other key players.

It will be hard for the 1-0-2 Panthers to adjust to Barkov's absence, but they're a deep team. Plus, Brad Marchand, who was expected to miss October rehabbing from an injury, returned on Oct. 4.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aleksander Barkov injury update as Panthers await answer on captain

Could Winnipeg Consider Adding Former First Round Pick Off Waivers?

On Monday, the Calgary Flames placed forward Connor Zary on waivers, a move that comes after the club reportedly tried to shop the 25-year-old over the summer.

Zary, a former 24th overall pick back in 2020, carries a modest $3.775 million cap hit this season and next. Any team that claims him would get a forward with a track record of NHL production for nothing but the cost of his contract.

One team that could take a look is the Winnipeg Jets as the team's prospect pipeline is not deep, and the club could use help up front. The Jets struggled to score last season, finishing with the eighth-worst offense in the NHL at 2.79 goals per game.

The bottom of Winnipeg's lineup is made up of older veterans like Vladislav Namestnikov, Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo. Adding a younger player like Zary offers higher upside and could give the Jets a new look in their bottom six. Zary has spent his entire career with Calgary since being drafted in 2020, and a first change of scenery could be a chance to make the most of a fresh opportunity.

He would be a low-risk, high-reward type of addition and if it does not work out, Zary would only be on the Jets' payroll through the end of next season, and with the salary cap continuing to rise, his cap hit becomes easier to absorb.

In his first full NHL season, Zary recorded 34 points in 63 games, a pace that would have translated to roughly 45 points over a full 82-game schedule. If he can produce at that level in a Jets uniform at that price, he would be worth a spot in the lineup. Should Isak Rosen fail to produce on the second line alongside Viggo Björck and Cole Perfetti, Zary could be an option to join that unit in the top six.

The only problem with the move is the injury concerns around Zary and his knee injury sustained during the 2024–25 NHL season following a knee-on-knee collision. Since then, Flames fans have noticed Zary's skating that was once viewed as elite has taken a hit and could be the reason why he has seen his play start to take a downturn and is now being placed on waivers. 

It would be a risk adding Zary, but with Winnipeg's offense having finished so poorly last season, and the team making only minor changes to its forward group, like drafting Björck, it begs the question of whether or not it's worth taking at least a flyer on Zary to see if that electric player is still in there prior to his knee injury.

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Carl Grundstrom Could Force Flyers to Make Uncomfortable Decisions

VOORHEES, N.J. - Carl Grundstrom has been a good soldier for the Philadelphia Flyers in his two years with the organization, eagerly taking up whatever role the coaching staff has in mind for him.

To start the 2026-27 season, Grundstrom has already found himself up in the Flyers' top-six, complementing offensive-minded linemates Trevor Zegras and Owen Tippett.

While the Flyers still struggle as a team, Grundstrom's stabilizing role has helped Zegras and Tippett at both ends of the ice. According to Natural Stat Trick, Zegras and Tippett were out-attempted 26-10 without Grundstrom, and out-chanced 13-1.

With Grundstrom on their line, the opponents' attempt advantage was a more modest 17-9, with chances 8-4. The Flyers' trio did, however, score a goal, while not allowing any at the other end.

That goal was none other than the game-tying goal in an eventual 3-2 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, but it was important in the sense that the Flyers finally showed some signs of life.

After several attempts, Tippett flung a shot through traffic into a yawning Hurricanes cage to tie the game at 1-1, with Grundstrom battling hard with K'Andre Miller in front of the net and flopping all over the place trying to recover the loose puck before Tippett cashed in.

"Grunny's great. I've played with him a handful of times now, and he plays with a lot of speed. He plays physical, he's heavy, he gets to the dirty areas, and he's not afraid to shoot the puck," Tippett said of Grundstrom after the game. "I enjoy playing with him, and he brings a lot."

It's a familiar role for the 28-year-old Swede, who also spent time flanking Noah Cates and Matvei Michkov last season.

While unsustainable, Grundstrom did show flashes of his offensive potential, scoring seven times in 11 games for the Flyers between Dec. 9 and Dec. 30, including a four-game streak during which the Flyers won three of four games.

Grundstrom is reprising that type of role early this season with Zegras and Tippett, and he's relishing the opportunity.

"Obviously, two really, really good hockey players. I love playing with those guys. I just try to be hard on the forecheck, play physical, play my game to help them out," Grundstrom glowed to The Hockey News after Sunday's practice.

Grundstrom was placed on waivers by the Flyers back on Sept. 23 and eventually cleared, though if claimed, could have been playing hockey elsewhere.

With injuries to Denver Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin, the Flyers made the move early in the event they needed to make roster space for the return of one of their two younger players.

Grundstrom isn't fazed by that, though.

"Just try to play my game... play my game and work hard. That's my mindset."

Grundstrom has played no fewer than 47 games in each of the last six seasons, and while he is an established bottom-six rotational piece at worst, his grip on an NHL roster spot is tenuous... for now.

If he continues to prove his value with his physical attributes and pace of play, the Flyers will have tough decisions to make going forward.

Rangers waive Matthew Robertson in roster fallout from Joe Veleno injury

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson (29) takes warmups prior to a game against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, September 24, 2026, Image 2 shows Rangers forward Joe Veleno skates for the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of a game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Defenseman Matthew Robertson was placed on waivers Monday, according to Elliotte Friedman, clearing a roster spot — and cap space — for the Rangers to call up a center with Joe Veleno out for Tuesday’s game against the Islanders. 

Veleno, who exited with a lower-body injury Sunday and was still being evaluated the next day, didn’t practice Monday, while Robertson was held out for what the Rangers labeled as roster management. A lack of center depth on their 23-man roster forced the Blueshirts to expose a piece of their blue-line depth to waivers just one week into the season. They entered Monday with $461,686 in current cap space, according to PuckPedia. 

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With a roster spot now open, the Blueshirts will be able to replace Veleno, who has also become a piece of their penalty-kill unit, until he can return. Oliver Bjorkstrand skated in Veleno’s spot during practice Monday. Based on how training camp ended, Justin Dowling, Glenn Gawdin, Cole Beaudoin, Dylan Roobroeck and Juuso Parssinen had all positioned themselves as options to be called up during the season if center issues materialized, and this was always a possible roster crunch for the Rangers after keeping Matt Rempe and Jaroslav Chmelar — both players who skate on the wing — as their final forwards out of training camp. 

Robertson, a second-round pick in 2019, skated in 72 games for the Rangers last season, but the left-handed defenseman lost a spot in the lineup to rookie — and No. 5 overall pick — Alberts Smits. He still made the team out of training camp, along with extra right-hander Scott Morrow, when the Rangers carried eight defensemen to start the season. 

But now the Blueshirts will wait 24 hours to see if they’ll lose depth. Robertson produced six goals and 18 points last year. If he clears, he’ll be assigned to AHL Hartford and join a group of left-handed defensemen that includes Urho Vaakanainen, Drew Fortescue and Marc Del Gaizo, who all have NHL experience. 

Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson (29) takes warmups prior to a game against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, September 24, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Rangers forward Joe Veleno skates for the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of a game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR NEW YORK POST

Igor Shesterkin was named the NHL’s first star of the week after collecting a 2-1-0 record in his first three starts of the season, a 1.67 goals-against average, a .934 save percentage, 71 saves, his goalie goal and then an assist for his second point of the year in Sunday’s win against the Mammoth. If Shesterkin manages another point Thursday, he’d match the longest point streak by a goaltender in NHL history, joining Henrik Lundqvist (2010-11) and Tom Barrasso (1984-85, 1988-89). 

“I don’t think there’s any question that when you have a goaltender that has the ability to play the puck to the level that Shesty has the puck, there’s a competitive advantage,” Mike Sullivan said Monday. “Five-on-five, five-on-six. … In today’s game, with how aggressive the forechecks are, when you have a goaltender that has the ability to play the puck like Shesty does, it’s a huge advantage for your team.” 


The Rangers have only trailed after one period this season entering Tuesday’s game against the Islanders. … Eeli Tolvanen, signed just weeks before training camp began, became the first Blueshirts player since Oscar Lindberg in 2015-16 — and the eighth in franchise history — to have a three-game scoring streak through his first four games with the team.

10 must-see games in Alex Ovechkin's final NHL regular season

If the end goes as Alex Ovechkin plans, his final NHL game will occur in the postseason in pursuit of another Stanley Cup title. But the end is near for the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, regardless of how the 2026-27 season plays out for the Washington Capitals.

Ovechkin announced on Monday, Oct. 5, this will be his final NHL campaign after 22 years in the league. It means, after 1,575 career games, limited opportunities remain to watch the "Great 8" skate against the world's best hockey players. Only 82 games are left in the regular season.

So what are the matchups you can't miss? Here are the 10 most significant games left during Ovechkin's final regular season with the Capitals:

Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Ovechkin's first game after announcing this would be his last season will be against the rival he's been linked to since the beginning of his NHL career. The enduring debate and classic games between Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby helped define a generation of the league.

Monday, Dec. 28 vs. Edmonton Oilers

This is the last of two games Ovechkin will play this season against the NHL's best all-around player, Connor McDavid, who has matched Ovechkin with three Hart Trophy wins. McDavid's career has mirrored Ovechkin's in that the remarkable individual accomplishments during the first decade of his career have not yet resulted in a Stanley Cup title. Ovechkin won in his 13th season.

Saturday, Jan. 16 vs. Colorado Avalanche

Ovechkin faces the NHL's leading goal scorer from last season (Nathan MacKinnon) for the final time. Ovechkin recently named MacKinnon as the current player best suited to carry on his signature style of yellow skate laces and a dark, tinted visor on the ice. MacKinnon, Ovechkin and Mario Lemieux are the only players in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup, Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Calder Trophy and lead the league in goals.

Friday, Feb. 19 vs. San Jose Sharks

This will be Ovechkin's final game against the NHL team he grew up rooting for in Russia. The Sharks also feature Macklin Celebrini, who recently signed a five-year contract extension that, at the time, made him the highest-paid player in the league based on average annual value. Ovechkin signed the league's first $100 million contract when he was a rising superstar in 2008.

Wednesday, March 3 vs. Carolina Hurricanes

This is the final meeting between the Capitals and defending Stanley Cup champions, and the two teams have been division rivals throughout Ovechkin's NHL career. He has faced the Hurricanes more than any other team in the NHL (97), and has scored his second-most goals against them (53).

Monday, March 15 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

This is Ovechkin's final game against Lightning star Nikita Kucherov, who has supplanted Ovechkin as the best Russian hockey player in the NHL in recent years.

Sunday, March 21 at New York Rangers

This will be Ovechkin's last game at Madison Square Garden against a team that eliminated him from the playoffs four different times.

Sunday, March 28 at Toronto Maple Leafs

This is Ovechkin's final scheduled game in the hockey-mad confines of Toronto, which also has the active player with the best shot to eventually break Ovechkin's goals record in Auston Matthews.

Sunday, April 4 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Ovechkin's final meeting with Crosby and the Penguins will also be the final home regular-season game of Ovechkin's career. The two famously had dueling hat tricks when they met in Washington D.C. during a 2009 Stanley Cup playoff series for the first time. The cheapest available ticket, as of 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, is more than $1,100.

Saturday, April 10 at Philadelphia Flyers

Should Ovechkin remain healthy and available through the end of the regular season, his final scheduled game at the moment will occur on the road against another familiar foe. The Flyers were the first team Ovechkin faced in the Stanley Cup playoffs back in 2008.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 must-see games in Alex Ovechkin's final NHL regular season

Brad Marchand Calls Season Debut 'A Rude Awakening' Despite Scoring Late Game-Tying Goal In Anaheim

Brad Marchand has some harsh critics out there, but it seems no one is harder on Brad than he is on himself.

Marchand made his regular season debut on Sunday night when the Florida Panthers visited the Anaheim Ducks after missing the first two games of the season while recovering from summer surgery.

He wasn’t expected back into Florida’s lineup until sometime in November, but his early arrival couldn’t have come at a better time as the Panthers just had to put their captain, Sasha Barkov, on LTIR with a lower-body injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period of time.

“I felt it was a bit of a rude awakening, being out there,” Marchand said after the game. “I've only had a couple morning skates with the guys and one practice yesterday, so the speed of the game and the intensity definitely ramped up a ton, but it was great to be back out there. It's going to take some time to get the timing of everything back and conditioning back, but it was incredible being back out there and being part of the team again.”

Sunday in Anaheim, Marchand skated on Barkov’s line, alongside Sam Reinhart and Brady Tkachuk.

Marchand looked like his quick, physical self on the ice, and he impacted the game quite positively for Florida.

With the Panthers trailing 2-1 late in the third period, it was Marchand who found the back of the net to send the game to overtime before Florida ultimately fell 3-2.

Along with the goal, he finished the night with three shots on five attempts, a hit, a giveaway, a takeaway and a plus-one on-ice rating.

“He’s not far off,” said Panthers head coach Paul Maurice. “All the time, he’s touching the puck and something happens. He’s really competitive.”

It’s certainly not a night to sneeze at, and when diving into the advanced metrics on Natural Stat Trick, Marchand’s night starts looking even better.

Of Florida’s four forward lines, none showed out better in terms of chances for vs. chances against at even strength.

The trio generated five scoring chances while only allowing two, and they were credited with two high danger chances, allowing none.

“As they learn, he’s an unusual player, and his linemates and get more and more comfortable with him, they’ll be able to do some things,” Maurice said of Marchand.

There were also no rush attempts against the line, though to be fair, Florida gave up zero rush attempts at 5-on-5 during the entire game, per NST.

Not too shabby, right?

Well, not if you ask Brad.

As he explained postgame, until he gets his legs back under him, he feels he’s holding two All Star caliber players back.

“The potential is there for sure, they're both incredible players, and both make great plays,” said Marchand. “We had a few looks tonight, but it's tough for those guys. They know I'm just getting back, and it's been, I don't know, six months since I played a game, and I’ve only been skating for a month now, so I kind of bring them down a little bit just with my timing and my speed and all that. We're working through that together, and when I get back to speed, I think we have great potential to be a really good line. We all dog the puck and can make plays when necessary and get around the net, so we have the makings to be a good line for sure.”

They’re going to get a chance to realize that expectation, too.

Maurice said he plans to give the group some time to grow together, while also allowing Reinhart some patience while he adjusts to playing the center role.

He’s taken a good amount of faceoffs over the past several years in Florida, but that’s been while still primarily playing the wing position.

It should be interesting to see how things grow between the group as Marchand continues to work his way back into shape and Reinhart gets better acclimated to playing down the middle.

Stay tuned.

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Photo caption: Jan 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers left wingBradMarchand(63) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)

Calgary Flames Place Connor Zary on Waivers

The Calgary Flames have placed forward Connor Zary on waivers.

The move comes after a difficult start to the 2026-27 season for both Zary and the Flames. Calgary is 0-3-0 to begin the season, while Zary was scratched for the team’s second game against Vancouver. 

Zary recorded one assist in two games.

Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<br />
Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<br />

The 25-year-old was selected by the Flames 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft and entered the organization with plenty of promise. Injuries, however, have played a role in slowing his development, and he struggled to find consistency last season.

Zary finished the 2025-26 season with 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 74 games.

His name also surfaced in trade speculation throughout the summer as the Flames continued to evaluate their roster and the direction of their young core.

Where Could Connor Zary Be Traded? Examining the Best Fits Around the NHLWhere Could Connor Zary Be Traded? Examining the Best Fits Around the NHLThe future of Connor Zary with the Calgary Flames appears increasingly uncertain.

Now, Calgary has placed Zary on waivers, creating another significant turning point in his development. If he clears, Zary would be assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, giving him an opportunity to play more consistently and regain some of the offensive confidence that made him a first-round pick.

There have been flashes of that ability during Zary’s time with the Flames, but establishing himself as a productive NHL player has remained a challenge.

Being placed on waivers does not necessarily mark the end of Zary’s time in Calgary. If he clears, the Wranglers could provide an opportunity for him to reset, play meaningful minutes and work his way back into the Flames’ plans.

For a player who was once viewed as an important part of Calgary’s next wave of talent, it is another difficult chapter in what has been a challenging development path.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin has chance for more records in final NHL season

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin sits at an NHL-record 929 goals after announcing that he will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season.

The 41-year-old has 82 games left this season to add to that total, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at home against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and fellow superstar Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin broke the seemingly unbreakable Wayne Gretzky record of 894 goals during the 2024-25 season. The following season, he became the first NHL player to score 900 goals.

He has a chance to break or tie other records this season and reach other milestones. Here's a look, plus records that he currently holds:

Records Alex Ovechkin's 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 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

Alex Ovechkin's upcoming milestones

  • 12 points shy of 1,700 career points
  • 25 games from 1,600 career games
  • 36 points from passing Mario Lemieux for the ninth-most points in NHL history
  • 33 games shy of passing Patrick Marleau (1,607) for the second-most games played with one franchise

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals' Alex Ovechkin has chance for more records in final NHL season

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin has chance for more records in final NHL season

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin sits at an NHL-record 929 goals after announcing that he will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season.

The 41-year-old has 82 games left this season to add to that total, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at home against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and fellow superstar Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin broke the seemingly unbreakable Wayne Gretzky record of 894 goals during the 2024-25 season. The following season, he became the first NHL player to score 900 goals.

He has a chance to break or tie other records this season and reach other milestones. Here's a look, plus records that he currently holds:

Records Alex Ovechkin's 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 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

Alex Ovechkin's upcoming milestones

  • 12 points shy of 1,700 career points
  • 25 games from 1,600 career games
  • 36 points from passing Mario Lemieux for the ninth-most points in NHL history
  • 33 games shy of passing Patrick Marleau (1,607) for the second-most games played with one franchise

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals' Alex Ovechkin has chance for more records in final NHL season

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin has chance for more records in final NHL season

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin sits at an NHL-record 929 goals after announcing that he will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season.

The 41-year-old has 82 games left this season to add to that total, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at home against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and fellow superstar Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin broke the seemingly unbreakable Wayne Gretzky record of 894 goals during the 2024-25 season. The following season, he became the first NHL player to score 900 goals.

He has a chance to break or tie other records this season and reach other milestones. Here's a look, plus records that he currently holds:

Records Alex Ovechkin's 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 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

Alex Ovechkin's upcoming milestones

  • 12 points shy of 1,700 career points
  • 25 games from 1,600 career games
  • 36 points from passing Mario Lemieux for the ninth-most points in NHL history
  • 33 games shy of passing Patrick Marleau (1,607) for the second-most games played with one franchise

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals' Alex Ovechkin has chance for more records in final NHL season

As Alex Ovechkin announces final season, Las Vegas holds a lasting place in his legacy

LAS VEGAS — Before Alex Ovechkin became the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, he became a Stanley Cup champion on the ice at T-Mobile Arena.

For Las Vegas, that distinction carries two memories: the heartbreak of watching the Golden Knights’ remarkable inaugural season end, and the sight of one of hockey’s greatest players finally lifting the trophy that had eluded him.

Now, with Ovechkin announcing Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his last in the NHL, this city occupies a meaningful place in the farewell.

Washington is where he built his career. Las Vegas is where some of its most memorable chapters unfolded.

“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin said in a statement released by the Capitals. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.”

The announcement came exactly 21 years after his NHL debut. At 41, the Capitals captain has 929 goals and 1,688 points in 1,575 games, with one final season to add to those totals.

The night two histories met

On June 7, 2018, Las Vegas hosted the conclusion of two extraordinary hockey stories.

The Golden Knights had turned an expansion season into a run to the Stanley Cup Final. Ovechkin had spent 13 seasons pursuing the championship that would complete his résumé.

Washington’s 4-3 victory in Game 5 brought both journeys to their defining moment.

Ovechkin scored a second-period power-play goal, his 15th of the postseason. Vegas carried a 3-2 lead into the third before Devante Smith-Pelly tied it and Lars Eller supplied the championship-winning goal. Ovechkin received the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and raised the Stanley Cup in the Golden Knights’ building.

For a city still discovering what NHL hockey could mean, the scene offered an unforgettable lesson in the sport’s emotional extremes. One team’s crushing ending unfolded alongside another’s long-awaited breakthrough.

That image belongs to Washington’s history, but its setting will always belong to Las Vegas.

There was another connection: George McPhee, the executive who drafted Ovechkin first overall for Washington in 2004, was Vegas’ general manager when the Capitals won that championship.

Three goals closer to immortality

More than six years later, Ovechkin returned to T-Mobile Arena and delivered another performance that became part of his legacy.

On Nov. 17, 2024, he scored three times in Washington’s 5-2 victory over the Golden Knights.

Career goals Nos. 864, 865 and 866 made up his 31st NHL hat trick and left him 29 goals from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

A power-play goal, a goal off the rush and an empty-net finish illustrated the different ways Ovechkin could punish an opponent. At 39, he was still producing nights that accelerated a chase once considered nearly impossible.

"It’s gonna stay forever," Ovechkin told The Hockey News that night. "Memories that happen here, (like) back in (2018) - it’s great.

"It was (a) pretty cool atmosphere, like always."

The Golden Knights also figured in another milestone that season. On Oct. 15, 2024, Ovechkin recorded two assists against Vegas in Washington to reach 700 for his career.

Ovechkin ultimately surpassed Gretzky on April 6, 2025, against the New York Islanders. The record fell elsewhere. Las Vegas had witnessed a memorable surge toward it.

One more visit, one lasting connection

Washington is scheduled to visit T-Mobile Arena on Jan. 30, 2027, giving Las Vegas a chance to acknowledge Ovechkin during his final NHL season.

There is still history available to him. He is 11 goals from passing Gretzky for the most combined regular-season and playoff goals, and 12 points from reaching 1,700.

His farewell will also include a season-long charitable campaign, with monthly initiatives beginning in November supporting causes central to his career.

Addressing his teammates in the locker room, Ovechkin kept his closing message focused on the season ahead.

"Let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special thing this year," he said.

Las Vegas has been part of that career in ways few visiting cities can claim.

It watched him become a champion. It watched him score three times while pursuing immortality.

When he returns, the city will have another opportunity to recognize a player whose greatest celebration remains forever tied to its ice.

PHOTO CAPTION

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in game five of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.

Who can break Alex Ovechkin's goal record as Capitals star plays final season?

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday, Oct. 5 that he will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season.

He's the top goal scorer in NHL history with 929 and the only player to surpass 900 goals.

Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky's 894 career goals were once considered an unbreakable record. And then Ovechkin broke it late in the 2024-25 season during a game against the New York Islanders. He added another 32 goals last season at age 40.

Ovechkin, 41, will add to that total in his 22nd and final season, during which he's expected to break another Gretzky record: 1,016 combined regular season and playoff goals. He needs 11 to do that.

Will anyone be able to break Ovechkin's final record? It will be difficult, but here are some potential candidates:

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

He's the most obvious candidate because he already has two 60-goal seasons to Ovechkin's one. He's a pure scorer with four goals in his NHL debut and 429 goals in 692 games. Ovechkin needed 634 to reach 400 goals. Matthews is averaging 0.62 goals a game in his career to Ovechkin's 0.59.

Matthews is 29 and potentially has many years left in his career. However, he missed a total of 34 games over his second and third NHL seasons. He was out on two occasions in 2024-25 with a nagging injury, costing him 15 games. He dropped from 69 goals to 33. In 2025-26, he missed 22 games and dropped to 27 goals.

One of Ovechkin's strengths was his durability. Matthews needs to stay healthy.

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

He has developed into a regular 50-goal scorer and has signed an eight-year extension that made him the NHL's highest-paid player at the time. Draisaitl has 437 goals and like Ovechkin, he's hard to stop on a one-timer from the faceoff circle (the right one, in his case).

The issue is Draisaitl, 30, didn't become a 50-goal scorer until his fifth season. He has played 858 games, taking more time to hit 400 than Ovechkin and Matthews. And teammate Connor McDavid has only two years left in his contract. Does Draisaitl score as much if McDavid leaves the team?

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins

Pastrnak, 30, has a 61-goal season and four 40-goal seasons. He has 420 goals in 836 games, but he fell to 29 goals last season.

Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks

The 2024 No. 1 overall pick jumped to 115 points in his second season. That includes 45 goals, a 20-goal increase from his rookie season. His 70 goals over his first two seasons are 28 fewer than Ovechkin's total, but Celebrini did it at 19 and Ovechkin was 21 during his second season.

Young player TBA

Don't forget that Ovechkin was 13 when Gretzky retired. One thing to watch is domination at the world junior championships. Ovechkin had 18 goals in 18 games over three tournaments.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who can break Alex Ovechkin's goal record as Capitals star plays final season?

Who can break Alex Ovechkin's goal record as Capitals star plays final season?

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday, Oct. 5 that he will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season.

He's the top goal scorer in NHL history with 929 and the only player to surpass 900 goals.

Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky's 894 career goals were once considered an unbreakable record. And then Ovechkin broke it late in the 2024-25 season during a game against the New York Islanders. He added another 32 goals last season at age 40.

Ovechkin, 41, will add to that total in his 22nd and final season, during which he's expected to break another Gretzky record: 1,016 combined regular season and playoff goals. He needs 11 to do that.

Will anyone be able to break Ovechkin's final record? It will be difficult, but here are some potential candidates:

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

He's the most obvious candidate because he already has two 60-goal seasons to Ovechkin's one. He's a pure scorer with four goals in his NHL debut and 429 goals in 692 games. Ovechkin needed 634 to reach 400 goals. Matthews is averaging 0.62 goals a game in his career to Ovechkin's 0.59.

Matthews is 29 and potentially has many years left in his career. However, he missed a total of 34 games over his second and third NHL seasons. He was out on two occasions in 2024-25 with a nagging injury, costing him 15 games. He dropped from 69 goals to 33. In 2025-26, he missed 22 games and dropped to 27 goals.

One of Ovechkin's strengths was his durability. Matthews needs to stay healthy.

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

He has developed into a regular 50-goal scorer and has signed an eight-year extension that made him the NHL's highest-paid player at the time. Draisaitl has 437 goals and like Ovechkin, he's hard to stop on a one-timer from the faceoff circle (the right one, in his case).

The issue is Draisaitl, 30, didn't become a 50-goal scorer until his fifth season. He has played 858 games, taking more time to hit 400 than Ovechkin and Matthews. And teammate Connor McDavid has only two years left in his contract. Does Draisaitl score as much if McDavid leaves the team?

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins

Pastrnak, 30, has a 61-goal season and four 40-goal seasons. He has 420 goals in 836 games, but he fell to 29 goals last season.

Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks

The 2024 No. 1 overall pick jumped to 115 points in his second season. That includes 45 goals, a 20-goal increase from his rookie season. His 70 goals over his first two seasons are 28 fewer than Ovechkin's total, but Celebrini did it at 19 and Ovechkin was 21 during his second season.

Young player TBA

Don't forget that Ovechkin was 13 when Gretzky retired. One thing to watch is domination at the world junior championships. Ovechkin had 18 goals in 18 games over three tournaments.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who can break Alex Ovechkin's goal record as Capitals star plays final season?

Who can break Alex Ovechkin's goal record as Capitals star plays final season?

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday, Oct. 5 that he will retire from the NHL after the 2026-27 season.

He's the top goal scorer in NHL history with 929 and the only player to surpass 900 goals.

Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky's 894 career goals were once considered an unbreakable record. And then Ovechkin broke it late in the 2024-25 season during a game against the New York Islanders. He added another 32 goals last season at age 40.

Ovechkin, 41, will add to that total in his 22nd and final season, during which he's expected to break another Gretzky record: 1,016 combined regular season and playoff goals. He needs 11 to do that.

Will anyone be able to break Ovechkin's final record? It will be difficult, but here are some potential candidates:

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

He's the most obvious candidate because he already has two 60-goal seasons to Ovechkin's one. He's a pure scorer with four goals in his NHL debut and 429 goals in 692 games. Ovechkin needed 634 to reach 400 goals. Matthews is averaging 0.62 goals a game in his career to Ovechkin's 0.59.

Matthews is 29 and potentially has many years left in his career. However, he missed a total of 34 games over his second and third NHL seasons. He was out on two occasions in 2024-25 with a nagging injury, costing him 15 games. He dropped from 69 goals to 33. In 2025-26, he missed 22 games and dropped to 27 goals.

One of Ovechkin's strengths was his durability. Matthews needs to stay healthy.

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

He has developed into a regular 50-goal scorer and has signed an eight-year extension that made him the NHL's highest-paid player at the time. Draisaitl has 437 goals and like Ovechkin, he's hard to stop on a one-timer from the faceoff circle (the right one, in his case).

The issue is Draisaitl, 30, didn't become a 50-goal scorer until his fifth season. He has played 858 games, taking more time to hit 400 than Ovechkin and Matthews. And teammate Connor McDavid has only two years left in his contract. Does Draisaitl score as much if McDavid leaves the team?

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins

Pastrnak, 30, has a 61-goal season and four 40-goal seasons. He has 420 goals in 836 games, but he fell to 29 goals last season.

Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks

The 2024 No. 1 overall pick jumped to 115 points in his second season. That includes 45 goals, a 20-goal increase from his rookie season. His 70 goals over his first two seasons are 28 fewer than Ovechkin's total, but Celebrini did it at 19 and Ovechkin was 21 during his second season.

Young player TBA

Don't forget that Ovechkin was 13 when Gretzky retired. One thing to watch is domination at the world junior championships. Ovechkin had 18 goals in 18 games over three tournaments.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who can break Alex Ovechkin's goal record as Capitals star plays final season?

NHL legend Ovechkin will retire at end of season

Alex Ovechkin in action for Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin is playing in his 22nd consecutive season in the NHL [Getty Images]

National Hockey League all-time leading goalscorer Alex Ovechkin says he will retire at the end of the season.

The 41-year-old Russian, who plays for the Washington Capitals, claimed the record in April 2025 when he scored his 895th career goal to surpass the legendary Wayne Gretzky's NHL regular season tally.

Canadian Hall of Famer Gretzky held the record for 31 years having previously overtaken compatriot Gordie Howe in 1994.

Ovechkin said in a statement that he "loves this game so much" but knew that in his "heart it's the right decision".

"It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game," Ovechkin said.

"Everyone who has been so 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."

Ovechkin has 1,688 career points (929 goals, 759 assists) in 1,575 games for the Capitals, the 10th-most points in NHL history.

He's 11 goals away from passing Gretzky for most total goals (regular season and play-offs combined) in NHL history and four assists away from passing Nicklas Backstrom for the franchise career assists record (762).

Ovechkin will play his first Western Conference home game of the new season on Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins are the visitors to the Capital One Arena.

"I am excited about this season with my team-mates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he added.

"I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career."

Who is Alex Ovechkin?

Alex Ovechkin holds the Stanley Cup aloft
Alex Ovechkin was at the heart of Washington's 2017-18 Stanley Cup triumph [Getty Images]

Ovechkin has been a mainstay for the Washington Capitals since his NHL debut in October 2005.

He was selected first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft after establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Russian hockey.

He moved to North America from Dynamo Moscow at the age of 20 and scored twice on his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Ovechkin helped the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup victory in 2017-18 and has scored at least 40 goals in 14 of his 21 NHL seasons, an NHL record.

Known for his passionate celebrations and relaxed attitude towards the strict diets expected in the modern game, his face is plastered across the league's marketing material.

Who has scored the most goals in the NHL?

1 - Alex Ovechkin (Rus, 2005-present) - 929

2 - Wayne Gretzky (Can, 1979-99) - 894

3 - Gordie Howe (Can, 1946-80) - 801

4 - Jaromir Jagr (Cze, 1990-2018) - 766

5 - Brett Hull (US, 1986-2006) - 741

*Regular-season goals only