The Washington Capitals have clarified that a recent email circulated to season ticket holders regarding the 2025-26 campaign, which stated it would be legendary forward Alex Ovechkin's final NHL season, was inaccurate. In a statement posted on X, the Capitals confirmed that 'no decision' has been made regarding Ovechkin's future beyond the upcoming season, noting that the email, which originated from a member of the corporate sales department, 'mistakenly' referred to the next season as Ovechkin's last.

Alex Ovechkin, who is set to celebrate his 40th birthday in September, made headlines earlier in the season by breaking the NHL's career goal-scoring record. With a total of 897 career goals, Ovechkin surpassed hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who retired in 1999 with a then-record of 894 goals. Since being drafted first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin has had an illustrious career, cementing his status as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He holds multiple franchise records for the Capitals, including goals, games played, points, shots on goal, and power-play goals.

In addition to leading the Capitals to their sole Stanley Cup victory in 2018, Ovechkin's accolades include being a 13-time NHL All-Star, a nine-time recipient of the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy for leading goal scorers, and a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner as the league's Most Valuable Player. Ovechkin also delivered a standout performance during the Capitals’ 2018 playoff run, securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with impressive statistics of 15 goals and 12 assists over 24 games. Although the Capitals have faced challenges in advancing past the second round of the playoffs during Ovechkin's tenure, he has still made a significant postseason impact, contributing 147 points in 161 playoff games. With 31 goals in the 2023-24 season, Ovechkin's performance indicates that he possesses the ability to continue competing at a high level, challenging the notion that retirement is imminent as he heads into the final year of his contract.