Alex Ovechkin delays NHL retirement, re-signs with Washington Capitals on 1-year deal

Alex Ovechkin, nearly 41 years old and the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals worth $4.25 million against the salary cap, the team announced on Thursday. The deal comes after Ovechkin's previous contract expired Wednesday and he had kept his plans for the 2026-27 season unknown. The signing means Ovechkin will return for a 22nd NHL season, with the opportunity to further extend his all-time goals record.