Alex Ovechkin reveals his intention to play
Photo credit: NHL
A recent report by a Russian media outlet was made available, which confirms Alex Ovechkin's intention to continue playing pro hockey, this despite increasing speculation and uncertainty surrounding the superstar's future.
When an email was sent last week by an individual in the Washington Capitals' corporate sales department announcing that Ovi would not be returning to Washington following the 2025-26 season, Caps fans got a bit of a scare.
Team officials, however, immediately negated the information included in the corporate email by saying it was inaccurate.
"No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin's future following the 2025-26 NHL season. An email was sent...that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin's last."
Given that Ovi's future with the Capitals and NHL is uncertain, any news concerning his availability to play in a professional capacity raises further speculation as to the direction Ovi intends to take with his career.
Utah Mammoth defenseman and fellow countryman Mikhail Sergachev recently disclosed in an interview with Russian news outlet MatchTV, that Ovechkin will play in the 2nd annual "Match of the Year', between all-stars from the NHL and the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on July 13.
With so much uncertainty around Ovi's NHL career, the recent decision to play is significant, as it could ultimately be the last time that we see Ovi dressing for international competition.
With the Russian national team being banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy as a result of Russia's conflict with the Ukaraine, it makes Ovi's decision to play in the "Match of the Year' that much more significant.
Next year is the final one of Ovi's contract, and the alleged final year of his Caps' career, as the superstar hits the free agency market in the summer of 2026.
Ovechkin has repeatedly stated that he wishes to finish his career with the Dynamo Moscow of the KHL, the team where he played in 2012-13 during an NHL lockout.
Stay tuned for more news regarding Ovechkin's future with the Capitals.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 9 | 27 ANSWERS Alex Ovechkin reveals his intention to play Do you believe this next international game in 'Match of the Year' will be his Ovi's last international competition? | ||
| Yes | 17 | 63 % |
| No | 10 | 37 % |
| List of polls | ||
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