ARLINGTON, VA — The hockey world is still buzzing over Alex Ovechkin's spectacular feat this season, as he shattered Wayne Gretzky's longstanding record to become the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer! On April 6, Ovechkin hit the magic mark, finishing the season with an astonishing 897 career goals.

As he approaches his 40th birthday this September, Ovechkin finds himself among the league's seasoned veterans, yet he shows no signs of slowing down. While many players hang up their skates, the dynamic forward is adamant about his future in hockey.

The Hershey Bears? Not Quite Retirement!

When jokingly asked about retirement plans, Ovechkin quipped, "I just packed my stuff. I’m going to Hershey. They have playoffs, so I’ll see you there!" His humor shines through as he keeps the mood light while discussing his illustrious career.

Despite dealing with injuries during the past season—missing 16 games due to a broken leg—Ovechkin still made waves in his age-39 season, tying for third place in league goals with an impressive 44 goals and 73 points overall.

What's Next for the Hockey Icon?

Looking ahead, Ovechkin has one year left on his five-year contract and has the option to sign an extension. Still, he admits he's uncertain about extending his career beyond the 2025-26 season, stating, "I haven’t thought about it yet, but we’ll see what happens." His commitment to performing at his peak remains strong, and his excitement for the upcoming season is palpable.

A Legacy That Stands Tall

With 20 years in the NHL and ranking 26th in all-time games played at 1,491, Ovechkin's legacy is undeniable. His light-hearted aspirations about making the roster at age 40—"I have to pass the skating test"—come with a sense of humility and humor.

His teammates share a heartfelt admiration for him; Tom Wilson reflected, "I don’t want to think about the day where he’s not a Cap. He’s such a big part of this organization." The emotional weight of Ovechkin's presence is evident—his impact on the Capitals and D.C. hockey will be felt long after he hangs up his skates.

Chasing New Milestones!

Ovechkin's next big goal—to net his 900th career goal—could come shortly after the start of the 2025-26 season. While John Carlson playfully suggested aiming for 50 goals next year, Ovechkin takes it one milestone at a time.

"Honestly, you never think about how many games you’re going to play or how many goals you’re going to score," Ovechkin said. "I was lucky enough this year to break the record. I’m looking forward to next year. I’ll be 40 and I’m going to do my best, with my team’s support."

As Ovechkin gears up for another season, one thing is certain: this hockey legend isn't done yet! Hold on tight, hockey fans; the best may still be ahead!