The GR8 Chase is reaching turbo mode! Alex Ovechkin, a few days ago, pitted goal No. 886 with an empty-net dagger in the Capitals’ 4-2 win over the Kraken, inching within nine goals of shattering Wayne Gretzky’s legendary 894-goal record. The hype? Oh, it’s about to hit a whole new level. With the Capitals gearing up for a three-game California road trip starting Tuesday in Anaheim, all eyes are locked on Ovi as he barrels toward history. The 39-year-old sniper is rewriting the record books, and at this point, it’s not a matter of if—it’s when.
But hold up—while Ovechkin is chasing down one of the most iconic records in hockey, there’s another storyline brewing. The Great 8 got real about his future, and let’s just say, it’s got everyone talking. With each goal bringing him closer to Gretzky’s throne, the question lingers: what happens after? Alex Ovechkin is taking it all in stride, but as he racks up milestones, the conversation about what’s next just won’t go away.
Hockey insiders Puck Empire took to X on March 10 to drop a bombshell that’s got the NHL world buzzing—Alex Ovechkin just heavily hinted at his next move after his current deal runs out in 2026. And let’s just say, it might not be what Caps fans wanna hear. When asked by reporter Ilya Shevchenko if he’d consider signing another NHL contract after 2026, Ovi kept it short and real, saying, “I don’t think so.” Yeah… let that one sink in.
But don’t panic just yet—Ovi’s not done with hockey, just maybe done with the NHL. If his body holds up, he’s got his eyes on a homecoming, likely heading back to Dynamo Moskva, the squad where he first made a name for himself from 2001-2005 and even skated during the 2012-13 lockout. It’s got all the makings of a storybook full-circle moment, but for now, Caps fans better soak up every second of the GR8 one’s final NHL chapters.
Alexander Ovechkin has heavily hinted at retiring from the NHL after the 2025-26 season and signing with Dynamo Moskva in the KHL.
Ovechkin, 39, said he “doesn’t think so,” when asked by reporter Ilya Shevchenko on if he’d consider signing another NHL contract after his current…
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) March 10, 2025
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