Nastya Ovechkina confirms that husband Alex will play the 2025-26 season with the Washington Capitals
In an exclusive interview to aif.ru's Olga Shablinskya following her recent return to Russia, Nastya Ovechkina confirmed that Alex Ovechkin will in fact play with the Washington Capitals in 2025-2026.
Furthermore, Natsya added that following the 2025-26 season, Alex will return to Russia for good.
"Alexander still has a contract for a year," Ovechkina said, using Google Translate. "So we will play next season, and then fly back to live in Moscow, to our homeland. We will stay in Russia, yes."
Initially, the news came following an email campaign from Capitals' corporate sales department, sent to season ticket holders, claiming that the 2025-26 season would be Ovi's last. Caps PR responded to the hoopla created by the campaign, stating the email was a mistake and that no decision had been made on Alex's future beyond next season.
Nastya Ovechkina added that the pressure of chasing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record was tough on her husband, though it was not evident at the time. Supreme athletes have a way of using the pressure to perform at even higher levels.
"He didn't show it, but I understand how hard it was for him," Nastya said. "So, I repeat, I waited for Sasha to score faster. And relax. He has his last season next year. And I want him to simply enjoy what he loves, to simply enjoy this last season."
On Breakdown Day, when asked about his intentions regarding his future, the 39 year-old Ovechkin was ambiguous with his reply. Instead, he joked about playing for the Hershey Bears in the AHL playoffs, and then prepare for training camp.
"Be honest (with) you, I haven't thought about it yet, but we'll see what's going to happen," Ovechkin said. "Obviously, I'm going to try to do my best to be able to do well next year, and we'll see. For me, it's first of all to make a roster when 40 years-old, you know? I have to pass skating test."
Ovechkin has suggested on numerous occasions that his desire is to return to Russia when his Washington contract expires, and play for the Dynamo Moscow.
Alex is currently under contract with Dynamo Moscow, employed as an advisor. The last time he played for Dynamo was during the 2012-13 lockout season, with then-teammate
Nicklas Backstrom.
Previously on Capitals Insider
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MAI 30 | 20 ANSWERS Nastya Ovechkina confirms that husband Alex will play the 2025-26 season with the Washington Capitals Would you like to see Ovechkin play for Washington in the 2026-27 season? |
Yes | 13 | 65 % |
No | 7 | 35 % |
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