Capitals HC Expects Alexander Ovechkin to Return for Final Year of Contract in 2025-26

Despite a disappointing end to their season with a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Washington Capitals are expecting Alexander Ovechkin to return for the 2025-26 campaign.

After the Capitals' 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes in Game 5 on Thursday, head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters he anticipates Ovechkin will be back.

"My understanding is he's under contract, so he'll be back next year," Carbery said.

Next season marks the final year of Ovechkin's five-year, $47.5 million contract. He is owed $9.5 million in 2025-26.

Even though Ovechkin didn't address his future after the game, he has said at points throughout the season that he isn't looking to retire right now.

No one would have pushed back against Ovechkin if he decided to hang up the skates. The 39-year-old has done everything possible throughout his historic career, capped off by surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer on April 6.

Over the course of his 20-year career, Ovechkin has been an All-Star 12 times, won the Hart Trophy three times and led the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup title to date during the 2017-18 season.

Of course, Ovechkin is still very productive even as he is set to turn 40 years old on Sept. 17. He scored 49 goals in 75 games between the regular season and playoffs this season.

The Capitals just finished their best regular season in nine years. Their 111 points were the fourth-most in franchise history.