NHL legend Ovechkin will retire at end of season

National Hockey League all-time leading goalscorer Alex Ovechkin says he will retire at the end of the season.

The 41-year-old Russian, who plays for the Washington Capitals, claimed the record in April 2025 when he scored his 895th career goal to surpass the legendary Wayne Gretzky's NHL regular season tally.

Canadian Hall of Famer Gretzky held the record for 31 years having previously overtaken compatriot Gordie Howe in 1994.

Ovechkin said in a statement that he "loves this game so much" but knew that in his "heart it's the right decision".

"It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game," Ovechkin said.

"Everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses.

"I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

Ovechkin has 1,688 career points (929 goals, 759 assists) in 1,575 games for the Capitals, the 10th-most points in NHL history.

He's 11 goals away from passing Gretzky for most total goals (regular season and play-offs combined) in NHL history and four assists away from passing Nicklas Backstrom for the franchise career assists record (762).

Ovechkin will play his first Western Conference home game of the new season on Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins are the visitors to the Capital One Arena.

"I am excited about this season with my team-mates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he added.

"I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career."