It's official! Alexander Ovechkin announces final NHL season

The legendary sniper of the modern era is preparing to put a spectacular finishing touch on his remarkable North American career.

Details: Longtime Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin officially informed his teammates this morning that the upcoming season will be his last in the National Hockey League.

The 41-year-old Russian forward announced his historic decision in the locker room before the start of the morning practice. The veteran's current contract with the Capitals expires in the summer of 2027, and the forward has firmly decided not to extend it or join another team in the league.

The upcoming regular season will be a full-fledged farewell tour across North American arenas for the Great Eight. The club is preparing a series of commemorative events to give a fitting send-off to its longtime captain, who has represented the team for more than two decades.

It is worth noting that Alexander Ovechkin has worn Washington's colors since 2005, led the Capitals to their historic Stanley Cup triumph in 2018, won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer nine times and cemented his name among the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.

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