Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday, Oct. 5, that the 2026-27 season will be his final one in the NHL.
The decision closes a 22-year career in which he became the league's all-time leading goal scorer.
The announcement sets up an 82-game regular-season farewell tour following 1,575 career games.
Key Matchups on Ovechkin's Farewell Schedule
The farewell campaign includes marquee matchups against historic rivals and star players across the league.
Ovechkin will face Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, with a home finale on April 4 where secondary market tickets surged past $1,100 on Oct.
5.
He will also meet Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid on Dec. 28, matching two three-time Hart Trophy winners.
Both spent their first decade pursuing an elusive Stanley Cup before Ovechkin broke through in his 13th season.
On Jan.
16, Ovechkin faces Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, whom he recently identified as the current player most suited to carry on his signature style of yellow skate laces and a dark, tinted visor.
Other key stops include matchups against the San Jose Sharks, his childhood favorite team in Russia.
His final appearance at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers is set for March 21.
His final scheduled regular-season contest is set for April 10 on the road against the Philadelphia Flyers, the franchise he first faced in the Stanley Cup playoffs back in 2008.
