Alexander Ovechkin is set to return to the Washington Capitals for his 22nd NHL season. After a busy offseason filled with blockbuster trades, Ovechkin believes the Capitals are ready to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup in 2026-27.
“We’re going to do our best to prove that all the moves, the signings that we did, are gonna work,” Ovechkin said.
Many Capitals fans believed they had seen the last of the Great Eight when the 2025-26 season ended without a playoff berth. However, last week, the Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin announced that the team captain of the past 17 seasons will return for another year.
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Alexander Ovechkin new contract
Ovechkin signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million. On Monday, he explained what ultimately convinced him to continue playing.
“Obviously, family is the first thing in our lives. When you can see we have the kind of team that can win one more Stanley Cup, it’s one of the biggest reasons. My wife told me, ‘Let’s go, one more,'” Ovechkin told The Hockey News.
Blockbuster trades
Meanwhile, the Capitals have significantly strengthened their roster this offseason by adding several high-profile players, including Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner, and Vincent Desharnais.
“I’m very excited for our team, and for the fans as well, because on paper, you can see our team is one of the best teams. Now we have to work for the Stanley Cup. We’re going to do our best to prove that all the moves, the signings that we did, are gonna work,” Ovechkin said.
Furthermore, the arrival of those new forwards means Ovechkin will not have to carry quite as much of the offensive load, having been the Capitals’ leading point scorer for the past 20 seasons. Nevertheless, his leadership and presence in the locker room are expected to be just as valuable as his production on the ice.
“I know I can still play and bring energy to the locker room, energy on the ice, and give the results that I can give,” he added.
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