The Washington Capitals have issued a clarification regarding an email mistakenly sent out on Thursday, which suggested that Alex Ovechkin's upcoming 2025-26 season would be his final year in the NHL. In a post shared on X, the Capitals emphasized that 'no decision' has been made regarding Ovechkin's future beyond the current season, and described the email's announcement, relayed to season ticket holders, as erroneous. The email included the statement, 'OCTOBER – the start of Capitals hockey and Alex Ovechkin's FINAL NHL SEASON.'

Ovechkin, who is set to turn 40 in September, made headlines this past season by becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. Surpassing Wayne Gretzky's previous record of 894 career goals, Ovechkin has netted 897 goals throughout his illustrious career. Drafted first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin quickly established himself as one of the most formidable players in hockey history, leading the franchise in several significant categories, including goals, points, and games played.

Throughout his two-decade career dedicated to the Capitals, Ovechkin has amassed an impressive array of achievements, both individually and as part of a team. As a 13-time NHL All-Star and a multiple winner of the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy as the leading goal scorer, he has also earned accolades such as the Calder Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year in 2006, and the Hart Memorial Trophy for NHL MVP three times. Notably, he played a vital role in leading the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2018, during which he was honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP, tallying 15 goals and 12 assists throughout the postseason. Although the Capitals have had their challenges in the playoffs during his tenure, Ovechkin's postseason performance is remarkable, with 147 points in 161 games. Despite undergoing a season with fewer goals than usual, Ovechkin rebounded to score 44 goals this past season, showcasing his resilience and talent, leading the Capitals to finish first in the Eastern Conference with 111 points. With the conclusion of his contract approaching, there remains a possibility that Ovechkin will either retire or continue to contribute, as his recent performance indicates he has the capacity to extend his playing career.