Alex Ovechkin is starting his farewell tour. The Washington Capitals captain announced Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his last in the NHL, ESPN and BBC Sport reported.

"I know in my heart it is the right decision," Ovechkin said in a statement released by the team, adding that he made the choice with his family over the summer. He told his teammates before practice, and the Capitals posted a video of the moment.

Ovechkin, 41, enters his 22nd season with 929 career goals, which is well ahead of Wayne Gretzky's old record of 894. He passed Gretzky in April 2025. BBC Sport said he is 11 goals away from passing Gretzky for the most goals once playoff games are added in, and four assists away from passing Nicklas Backstrom for the most assists in team history.

Ovechkin said he wanted to share the news before the first home game "so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game." Capitals owner Ted Leonsis praised his "unmatched desire to win" and said he brought the city some of its most joyful sports moments.

Some history helps explain the fuss. Washington drafted Ovechkin first overall in 2004, and he scored twice in his NHL debut in October 2005. In 2018, he led the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup. He has scored at least 40 goals in 14 seasons, which is an NHL record, BBC Sport said.

He is still productive. Last season he scored 32 goals and played all 82 games, ESPN reported, before signing a one-year deal this summer.

His final regular-season home game will come against Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby, his longtime rival, ESPN said. The two players entered the league together in 2005.

Fans can see him first on Wednesday, when the Capitals open at home against the Penguins at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

What we know: Ovechkin will retire after this season, his 22nd with Washington.
What we don't: Which milestones he will reach before he goes.