Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 3

Ovechkin Returns for 22nd Capitals Season as Washington Adds $24.6 Million in New Talent

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 3

Ovechkin Returns for 22nd Capitals Season as Washington Adds $24.6 Million in New Talent

Q: After breaking Gretzky's record, what personal milestones could Alex Ovechkin still be chasing this season?

After taking Gretzky’s regular-season goals record, Ovechkin’s next realistic personal targets are to keep pushing that mark higher and to chase a few age- and franchise-related milestones. The biggest headline number is 930 and beyond. He enters this season with 929 career goals, so every goal further extends the NHL record he seized in 2025. A larger stretch goal would be another 50-goal season, which would give him a record 10th such season, breaking his tie with Gretzky and Mike Bossy. At his age, that would also be a remarkable longevity feat. He also has a chance to add to several records he already owns, including career power-play goals, overtime goals, game-winning goals, and his totals for 30-goal and 40-goal seasons. Those are not as celebrated as the Gretzky chase was, but they would deepen his statistical separation from the rest of NHL history. Within Washington’s record book, Ovechkin is also close to Nicklas Backstrom’s franchise assists mark. He has 758 assists, four behind Backstrom’s 762, so he could become the Capitals’ all-time leader in assists as well as goals. If Washington reaches the playoffs, he could also make a run at Backstrom’s team playoff assists record. A more distant all-time target is Gretzky’s combined regular-season and playoff goal total of 1,016, though that remains a much steeper climb.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 3

Alex Ovechkin confirmed he will play a 22nd NHL season with Washington, ending offseason retirement speculation after saying roster upgrades mattered following the Capitals' playoff miss.
Washington's summer overhaul brought in Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner and two defensemen, with new cap hits totaling about $24.6 million to bolster a team that finished with 95 points.
Chris Patrick said the moves were made to turn the Capitals back into a playoff team, not specifically to persuade Ovechkin, though they "definitely helped inform" his return decision.
The 41-year-old captain comes back after scoring 929 goals in 1,573 games, giving Washington's retooled veteran-young core another season with the NHL's all-time leading scorer.