is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals on Thursday.
“I鈥檓 back!鈥� Ovechkin said.
The league鈥檚 inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. He receives a $3.25 million signing bonus and makes the additional $4.75 million if he plays 10 games, but the contract structure allows him to count just $4.25 million against the cap. Ovechkin turns 41 in September.
Ovechkin has 929 goals after scoring 32 last season. The Russian superstar in April 2025, completing that captivated hockey.
He had said in recent months to decide whether to return or retire, and management was working on contingency plans either way.
鈥淭hank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision,” Ovechkin said. 鈥淚鈥檓 healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I鈥檓 excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win.鈥�
The Capitals missed the playoffs this spring but qualified 16 times in a stretch of 18 years, which included winning the franchise’s only Stanley Cup in 2018 when Ovechkin was playoff MVP.
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