The NHL’s most prolific goal scorer will hang up his skates at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, with Alex Ovechkin announcing Monday that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.
That also means this will be the last season featuring both Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby as active players.
The two used to be rivals and eventually developed a friendship through the years.
Before Monday’s Penguins game against the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa., the 39-year-old Crosby reflected on Ovechkin’s looming retirement.
“I’m sure it’s something he’d be asked about a lot, so it’s nice for him to just be able to get that out there and enjoy playing and focus on hockey,” said Crosby, via Wes Crosby of the NHL’s official site.
“So, yeah, definitely have had some great battles over the years, and obviously when you get to our age that’s something that you have to make decisions on. For him, as long as he’s happy and enjoying it, that’s the biggest thing.”
Crosby hasn’t made a decision on his future yet, at least not shared publicly, but he has no contract beyond the 2026-27 season. Regardless, he’ll leave the NHL one day with one of the best resumes in hockey history, including three Stanley Cup titles and two Hart Memorial Trophies.
