NHL News: Alex Ovechkin’s future in question after Capitals teammate Dylan Strome’s unexpected statement

As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, questions continue to surround the future of Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ all-time leading goal scorer. Recent comments from teammate Dylan Strome have added fuel to the ongoing speculation about whether Ovechkin will retire following the final year of his current contract.

Speaking at the 11th annual Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament earlier this week, Strome was careful not to confirm or dismiss the possibility of retirement for Ovechkin, who will turn 40 in September. Despite widespread rumors, the Capitals forward left the door open for various outcomes.

“Look, we don’t know if it’s going to be his final year,” Strome told NHL.com. “You kind of see what he said a couple of days ago, that it’s preposterous that people would talk about that this will be his last year.”

Ovechkin’s contract year looms as speculation intensifies

Ovechkin is entering the last season of a five-year, $47.5 million deal signed in 2021. He finished the 2024–25 campaign with 897 career goals, having surpassed the legendary Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader. The record-breaking moment came on April 6, when Ovechkin scored his 895th goal against the New York Islanders — a play on which Strome earned the secondary assist.

Dylan Strome #17 (l) and Tom Wilson #43 (r) pose with Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals (c) following Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 06, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Despite the record and his advancing age, Ovechkin has not publicly committed to retirement. In a recent interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti, he stated, “A year will pass, and we will think about it. We will live and see.” He dismissed reports claiming he had already decided to retire as “pure nonsense.”

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Strome echoed the uncertainty surrounding the veteran’s future, saying, “It’s his decision, obviously, but I wouldn’t rule anything out. I certainly hope so.”

Strome credits Ovechkin for his career-best season

For Strome, who primarily centered Ovechkin’s line during the 2024–25 season, the experience has been invaluable. The 28-year-old posted career highs with 29 goals, 53 assists, and 82 points — a testament to the chemistry he shares with the Capitals legend.

“To be on his line the majority of my three seasons in Washington, it’s been an honor to play with him and still is,” Strome said. “He’s obviously had a storybook career, and he’s obviously had a positive effect on mine.”

As the Capitals and their fanbase look ahead, all eyes will remain on Ovechkin’s decision and whether he will continue adding chapters to one of hockey’s most remarkable careers.