Alex Ovechkin’s historic pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record coincides with exit plans

Alex Ovechkin is just nine goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record. He plans to retire from the NHL in 2026 and may return to Russia. Despite past injuries, he leads the Capitals and has launched a cancer research initiative. The hockey world watches as he nears history.

As Alex Ovechkin nears NHL history, his future beyond 2026 remains uncertain

Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record of 894, with just nine goals left to break it. Despite nearing this historic milestone, Ovechkin has hinted that he does not plan to continue in the NHL after his contract expires in 2026. He has expressed interest in returning to Russia to play for Dynamo Moskva, the team where he started his professional career.


Even after recovering from a fibula injury earlier in the season, Ovechkin remains a key player for the Washington Capitals, who are leading the Eastern Conference. In addition to his on-ice performance, he has launched a charity initiative, “The GR8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer,” pledging donations for every goal he scores until retirement, with support from Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

In a recent interview, Ovechkin revealed that he does not plan to extend his NHL career beyond his current contract, which expires in 2026. When asked by reporter Ilya Shevchenko if he’d consider signing another NHL contract after 2026, Ovechkin kept it short and real, saying, “I don’t think so.”

Instead, he has shown interest in returning to Russia to play for Dynamo Moskva, the team where he started his professional career before joining the NHL. This suggests that he sees his time in North America coming to a close, regardless of whether he breaks the record.

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Ovechkin’s next few games, including a California road trip, could be crucial in his pursuit of Gretzky’s record. With his form and determination, the hockey world is watching closely as he edges closer to making history.

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