Alex Ovechkin says he will make a decision on his future in the summer

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 02: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up before a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 2, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Alex Ovechkin says that he has yet to make a decision about his future and will do so in the summer. In a teaser for a conversation airing Wednesday night with Washington Capitals radio announcer John Walton, the franchise’s captain said that he will speak with his family and team executives, including owner Ted Leonsis, before deciding what to do next.

The Capitals have four games remaining in the regular season and currently sit five points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot . Ovechkin is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the season. Alex Ovechkin sat down with John Walton to discuss his plans to take time after the season to reflect and consult with his family before determining his future this summer.

Catch their full conversation tonight on Caps Pregame Live on @MonSportsNet pic. twitter. com/J9jAKL5HJE — Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 8, 2026 Ovechkin will turn 41 in September and has been remarkably durable throughout his career, only playing fewer than 70 games during the regular season three times over his 21-year NHL season He noted that his health will play a factor in his decision.

“You just have to be smart about it,” he said. Last April, Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer with his 895th goal, breaking a tie with Wayne Gretzky . He’s followed up that record-breaking feat with his 20th season of at least 30 goals in 2025-26.