Sawt Falasteen - Ovechkin returning to Caps for 22nd NHL season

The Capitals said in a statement that the Russian great has signed a one-year contract with an average annual value of $4.25 million.

"I'm back!" Ovechkin said in comments posted on the Caps website. "Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I'm excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC!"

Ovechkin, who turns 41 in September, was the first overall draft pick by the Capitals in 2004, arriving in the NHL in 2005 after launching his pro career with Dynamo Moscow at the age of 16.

He led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018, but last season Washington fell short of a playoff berth.

Ovechkin had said when the season ended that he would decide his future after consulting with his family, indicating that he hoped to keep playing but wanted to contend for another title.

Ovechkin led the Capitals with 32 goals last season to take his record career total to 929.

He surpassed Wayne Gretzky as the league's all-time leading goal scorer when he tallied his 895th in April of 2025.

He also ranks first in NHL history in power-play goals (331), game-winning goals (141) and overtime goals (27).

D.AbuRida--SF-PST