Alex Ovechkin says this NHL season will be his last

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Monday that the 202627 NHL season will be his final one. He shared the news with teammates in Arlington, Virginia, before the team posted a message announcing his decision. Ovechkin, 41, said he and his family reached the choice in recent months. He said he wants to finish his career healthy and spend more time with his children. The longtime Capitals star is entering his 22nd NHL season and remains the league’s career goals leader. The Russian winger has spent his entire NHL career in Washington, where he won rookie of the year in 200506, earned three Hart Trophies as league MVP, and helped the Capitals win their first Stanley Cup in 2018. He said the team’s goal this season is to make the playoffs and enjoy the run.