Nationwide Hockey League all-time main goalscorer Alex Ovechkin says he’ll retire on the finish of the season.
The 41-year-old Russian, who performs for the Washington Capitals, claimed the report in April 2025 when he scored his 895th profession objective to surpass the legendary Wayne Gretzky’s NHL common season tally.
Canadian Corridor of Famer Gretzky held the report for 31 years having beforehand overtaken compatriot Gordie Howe in 1994.
Ovechkin mentioned in a press release that he “loves this sport a lot” however knew that in his “coronary heart it is the fitting determination”.
“It was necessary for me to make this announcement earlier than our first dwelling sport, so I’ve the prospect to thank all of the folks across the sport,” Ovechkin mentioned.
“Everybody who has been so necessary to me and my household and helped me by means of good instances and hard losses.
“I would not have been in a position to obtain every part I’ve in my life with out them.”
Ovechkin has 1,688 profession factors (929 targets, 759 assists) in 1,575 video games for the Capitals, the Tenth-most factors in NHL historical past.
He is 11 targets away from passing Gretzky for many complete targets (common season and play-offs mixed) in NHL historical past and 4 assists away from passing Nicklas Backstrom for the franchise profession assists report (762).
Ovechkin will play his first Western Convention dwelling sport of the brand new season on Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins are the guests to the Capital One Area.
“I’m enthusiastic about this season with my team-mates, and we are going to do every part we will to make this 12 months particular,” he added.
“I’m going to get pleasure from each second with my household, my boys, our followers and everybody who has been a part of my hockey profession.”