NHL icon Ovechkin plans on going back to Russia in 2026

(MENAFN) Hockey legend Alexander Ovechkin is expected to return to Russia in 2026 after completing the final year of his contract with the Washington Capitals, according to his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya. Speaking to Russian outlet Argumenty i Fakty, Shubskaya confirmed the family’s intention to move back to Moscow following the 2025–26 NHL season. “Ovechkin has one more year on his contract. We’ll play the season and then head back to Moscow — to our homeland,” she stated, adding, “We’re staying in Russia.”

This follows speculation that the upcoming NHL season could be Ovechkin’s last in North America. Earlier in May, some Capitals season ticket holders received an email implying the 2025–26 season would be Ovechkin’s final one. The team later clarified that the message was a mistake and that no official retirement announcement had been made.

Despite that, several public remarks from Ovechkin’s wife suggest the family is planning a permanent return to Russia once his NHL career concludes.

Ovechkin, now 39, recently broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record to become the NHL’s all-time top goal scorer. On April 6, 2025, he scored his 895th goal in a game against the New York Islanders, surpassing Gretzky’s 894. He has since pushed his total to 897 and is aiming to reach 900 goals — a milestone reportedly encouraged by Gretzky himself.

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump congratulated Ovechkin on his achievement. Putin called it a “true celebration for fans in Russia and beyond,” while Trump described Ovechkin as “great.”

Though he has not formally announced retirement, Ovechkin hinted in a March 2024 interview that he was considering leaving the Capitals and potentially returning to Moscow’s Dynamo, the club where he launched his professional career.

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