Alex Ovechkin was seen on the bench sharing laughs with his teammates while the Zamboni completed its final rounds.
The captain of the Washington Capitals then took some time to stretch along the boards and engaged in a lengthy discussion with head coach Spencer Carbery as they skated around the ice at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
At 40 years old, Ovechkin, the all-time leading scorer in NHL history, continues to show that he is capable of competing in a league that is becoming increasingly youthful and fast-paced.
He also indicated that he will postpone decisions about his future until after his 21st season concludes.
In a recorded message released on Wednesday, Ovechkin stated he would defer his choice about continuing in a sport he has excelled in for the past two decades until the offseason.
“It’s a matter of health, discussing it with my family, we’ll see,” remarked the Russian forward prior to Washington’s 4-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. “If I were 35 or 25, it would be different. But at 40, you need to consider the future.”
Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s previous record of 894 goals last Monday and currently stands at 928 career goals. The Russian, known for his powerful shot that has challenged goaltenders since 2005, leads his team with 31 goals in the 2025-26 season — marking the 20th time he has reached at least 30 goals — and also tops the Capitals with 61 points.
“I still enjoy it; I still have fun,” he expressed. “I’m happy to be with the guys in the locker room.”
- Goal No. 100: Oct. 12, 2007 (game 167)
- Goal No. 200: Feb. 5, 2009 (game 296)
- Goal No. 300: April 5, 2011 (game 473)
- Goal No. 400: Dec. 20, 2013 (game 634)
- Goal No. 500: Jan. 10, 2016 (game 801)
- Goal No. 600: March 12, 2018 (game 990)
- Goal No. 700: Feb. 22, 2020 (game 1,144)
- Goal No. 800: Dec. 13, 2022 (game 1,305)
- Goal No. 900: Nov. 5, 2025 (game 1,504)
He also holds the record for the most power play goals with 331, game-winning goals with 141, and shots taken with 7,091 and counting. Beyond being an offensive juggernaut, the six-foot-three winger is a physical presence, ranking third all-time in hits with 3,871.
The Capitals secured an important win on Wednesday and are now focusing on a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, followed by a trip to face the Columbus Blue Jackets to complete the regular season. While the Capitals have not been eliminated from playoff contention, they find themselves three points behind the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Carbery stated that Ovechkin, whose contract is set to expire on June 30, has the full backing of the organization.
“He has earned that right,” the coach remarked. “He’ll be welcomed with open arms… If this is the end, we will support him in that, and I’ll celebrate his career with a big hug and a cold beer.”
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Dylan Strome, a centre for the Capitals, expressed that playing alongside Ovechkin has been a privilege.
“Unbelievable,” he said. “You learn so much from a player like him on a daily basis — how he interacts with others, treats his teammates, and enjoys the game.”
Ovechkin netted a career-high 65 goals in the 2007-08 season and has achieved 50 goals in eight different seasons. He also recorded 48 goals in 68 games during the 2019-20 season before the COVID-19 pandemic halted North American sports.
“He’s been a remarkable player in this league for such a long time,” said Capitals goalie Logan Thompson. “Everyone knows he can still compete if he chooses to. But it will be a sad day whenever he decides to retire.”
‘Have to adjust’ to game changing
Selected first overall in the 2004 draft, Ovechkin has accumulated 1,684 points (928 goals, 756 assists) across 1,569 regular-season games. He has contributed an additional 147 points (77 goals, 70 assists) in 161 playoff games, including the Capitals’ sole Stanley Cup triumph in 2018.
“The game evolves almost every year,” he remarked. “New players enter the league, and their speed and skill are evident. You have to adapt your body and mind; that’s just life.”
Ovechkin, who did not confirm whether he would consider playing in the KHL, has a total of 1,005 goals in both regular-season and playoff NHL games, just 11 shy of Gretzky’s record.
The pursuit of Gretzky’s record last season generated a celebrity-like atmosphere whenever the Capitals were in town.
If this is indeed his final chapter, Ovechkin is handling it on his own terms.
“He doesn’t want a big farewell,” Strome noted. “You just try to be there for him and savor the moments playing beside him. He never takes the game for granted and treasures every day in the NHL.”
Carbery stated that Ovechkin has consistently defied expectations since his entry into the league.
“Whatever you think Alex Ovechkin can’t accomplish, you are mistaken,” the coach asserted. “You might think his goal-scoring has slowed down, yet he suddenly nets nine goals in 12 games. Before long, you check the stats, and he has 30 goals for the season at 40 years old. It’s astonishing.”
“Scoring 10 goals in the NHL is tough, and here’s Ovi at 40 with 30. He defies all logic.”
However, time remains undefeated. A day will come when Ovechkin, with his broad smile and missing front tooth, will no longer be part of the NHL.
“It’s hard to envision,” Strome reflected. “It will feel strange, whenever that time comes, without Ovi around.”