New Alex Ovechkin Rumors on Timeline to Make Decision on NHL Retirement, Return Ahead of FA

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin isn't expected to make a decision on his playing future before NHL free agency begins on July 1, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Ovechkin, who turns 41 years old on Sept. 17, has played all 21 of his seasons with the Caps, scoring an NHL-record 929 goals, earning the Hart Memorial Trophy three times and winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Ovechkin has remained quite productive into his 40s and his third NHL decade. He played all 82 games last season, amassing 32 goals and 32 assists. Ovechkin also has a shot at 1,000 career goals. If he remains healthy, he could conceivably get it done over the next two seasons.

The Caps are also a winning team and will look to remain competitive next year. Washington just had a winning season, going 43-30-9 for 95 points. However, the Caps fell short of the playoffs by three points in the brutally tough Eastern Conference.

Still, they are reloading, adding St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou via trade. Washington is also considered a frontrunner for Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch via sign-and-trade, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and NHL Network.

We'll see what happens soon enough with Ovechkin, as the start of free agency isn't too far away.