All eyes were on Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday, as the Washington Capitals played their final game of the 2025-26 NHL season against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
More than that, it might be the last time ever that Ovechkin has skated in an NHL game.
The league’s all-time leader in goals scored has yet to announce his decision on his future.
He has previously said he will make up his mind in the offseason. It is also possible he has already made a call, but does not want to reveal it yet, so as not to take away from the excitement of the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Following the Caps’ 2-1 win over Columbus, ESPN shared a video of the three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner celebrating with his teammates and before skating off the ice for perhaps the last time in his NHL career.
Alex Ovechkin skates off the ice for potentially the last time 👏 pic.twitter.com/NmE026yzyp
— ESPN (@espn) April 15, 2026
Several fans, however, don’t believe that it’s over for Ovi.
We all know he’s coming back 😂
— SoothsayerDimelayer (@SDimelayer) April 15, 2026
He'll be back pic.twitter.com/cFr3faz223
— Steven Ratnik (@StevenJosephR) April 15, 2026
He's not retiring trust me
— Ovié 👽❤🖤🤍🌪 @ ?????? (@OvieKovy) April 15, 2026
Nah, he's got some Jagr in him.
— Lynn Lake Chiefs (@ChiefsLake) April 15, 2026
I give him atleast 1 more season.
I think he’ll come back for 1 more
— haugerr (@haugerr_) April 15, 2026
The 40-year-old Ovechkin does not have a contract beyond the 2025-26 season. It would be extremely surprising if he signs with a franchise other than the Capitals to continue his career.
If he is to run it back in the NHL for at least one more season, it should be in Washington, the franchise where he built his hockey legacy.
If he decides to hang up his skates for good, he will finish his NHL career with 929 goals and 758 assists.
