How the Capitals are processing Ovechkin's uncertain future - ESPN

ARLINGTON, Va. — Last season, Alex Ovechkin passed Wayne Gretzky to become the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. A few weeks ago during training camp, he reached another historic milestone: The Washington Capitals captain turned 40.

«Nothing's changed. Just a different number,» Ovechkin said.

Someone asked Tom Wilson if his linemate had informed him about what 40 feels like.

«I told them that I didn't need to ask, because I will not be playing hockey when I'm 40,» Wilson said with a laugh. «It's so impressive. I'm 31 and it's hard. [Hockey] takes a toll on the body. We all just play as long as we can. I don't think anybody in that room will be talking about playing when they're 40, let alone scoring 44 goals and having a broken leg and all that stuff last year. He's a machine.»

Ovechkin entered the 2025-26 season with 897 career goals, having surpassed Gretzky's mark of 894 goals. He scored 44 goals in 65 games last season, sitting out 16 games after breaking his left fibula in a Nov. 18 game against the Utah Hockey Club.

«He's the GOAT. He's still flying out there. It's so pretty darn impressive,» Wilson said. «He can just keep playing and scoring. His mentality and his physical perseverance to just keep going and do what he's doing is… I mean, there's really no words to describe it.»

Here's one word to possibly describe it: unexpected.

Ovechkin finished the 2023-24 season with a whimper that had many wondering if his tank had hit empty. He didn't register a point when the Capitals were swept by the New York Rangers in the opening round of the playoffs, going without a shot on goal in two of the games.

But Ovechkin answered that uncertainty by expediting his record chase and passing Gretzky on April 6 at the New York