Unlike last year where Alex Ovechkin’s future was up in the air, the Washington Capitals captain left little doubt heading into the team’s home opener on Wednesday.
“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin said in a release. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.
“It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them.
“I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career.
“See you Wednesday, babes!”’
Ovechkin farewell tour (for real)
Ovechkin, who has one assist in two games so far this season, now has set what likely will be a farewell tour this campaign, not unlike the chase of Wayne Gretzky’s goals record two years ago.
He has 929 career goals, and while this puts 1,000 goals out of the question, he can still catch Wayne Gretzky’s regular-season and playoff goals mark with 11 more goals, and also can be the first player to reach 950 career goals.
Last season ended with uncertainty over his future, even getting a potential farewell in Washington’s last home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in April. Now, the season home opener against Pittsburgh will be the first after the announcement, and the regular-season finale April 4 will be his last regular season home game.
With the Frozen Four in Washington this season, the Capitals end with a three-game road trip, ending April 10 in Philadelphia. The Caps certainly hope the team returns to the playoffs this season, which would extend his NHL career as long as the team remains in the tournament.
Notable that while Ovechkin announced he is retiring from the NHL, since his early days he has said he would be returning to Russia to play, so presumably next season he would play for Dynamo Moscow, the team that holds his KHL rights.
World Cup of Hockey still possible
It also opens the door to the possibility that Ovechkin could play in next year’s World Cup of Hockey, should Russia be allowed to field a team in the tournament.
The announcement also somewhat changes the narrative this season for the Washington star, who had faced criticism over his appearance in a political ad in his native Russia. Instead, the farewell tour will begin October 13 in Carolina, as he will make the final regular-season appearance in Raleigh – where he was drafted first overall in 2004.
Ovechkin, who opened camp with a press conference, was injured during preseason and has not met the press since.
But unlike last season where fans were unsure if this would be his final NHL campaign, this year there is little doubt the player who is now the longest tenured athlete in Washington sports is calling it an NHL career this season.
