Capitals' Alex Ovechkin 'pretty sure' he'll play 22nd season - ESPN

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin said he's «pretty sure» that Tuesday's season finale at Columbus won't be his last game, as the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer contemplates retirement.

«To be honest with you, I'm pretty sure it's not my last game. I hope it's not my last game, against Columbus,» said the 40-year-old captain. «I have to make a decision to see where we're at. The team, family. The kids are already asking me, 'Dad, are you staying or no?' And I tell them, 'We'll see.' They want me to come back. They love the city, they love the team, they love the boys.»

Ovechkin said last week that he would decide on his future in the offseason, after consulting with his family and the Capitals. He reiterated he hadn't yet spoken with general manager Chris Patrick about his future.

When asked what he'd like to hear from Patrick, Ovechkin joked: «We want you for two more years. Here's your contract, sign it.»

Ovechkin, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, said he would «probably not» play for another NHL team if he didn't return to Washington.

He had 32 goals and 32 assists, playing all 82 games for the Capitals in his 21st NHL season. Ovechkin finished the season with 929 career goals in 1,573 games, having passed Wayne Gretzky last year for the most regular-season goals in NHL history.

Ovechkin wouldn't reveal a timeline for his decision but said the Capitals' ability to make the postseason — after failing to qualify this season — and win the Stanley Cup are paramount, alongside considerations about his family and his health.

«In the summer, you have to work your ass off to get better and be in shape. When you're 20, it's no big thing. When you're 40, it's harder and harder,» said Ovechkin,