Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin to Return to Russia for the Summer as Hockey World Awaits his Decision

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Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin spent some time in D.C. after the season ended. However, the 40-year-old is officially flying back to his native Russia for the summer.

Ovechkin just wrapped up his 21st season with the Capitals. Now, he will look to make a decision on his future as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

According to Russian news outlet TASS, Ovechkin and his family are set to arrive in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday. The 40-year-old’s wife, Nastya Ovechkina, posted a photo on Instagram featuring their two sons sitting on top of luggage.

On media breakdown day, Ovechkin said he was “pretty sure” he hadn’t played his final NHL game. However, his decision will depend on health and family circumstances. The Great 8’s sons, Sergei and Ilya, want him to play another year.

“I tell them, ‘We’ll see.’ They’re excited,” said Ovechkin. “They want me to come back because they love the city, and they love the team, and they love the boys.”

More importantly, Ovechkin hopes that the Capitals will contend for another Stanley Cup pending his return.

“That’s probably the biggest thing,” said Ovechkin. “Otherwise, if you take different scenarios, like family-wise, health-wise, but team-wise, this is the most important thing for me.”

Ovechkin finished the 2025-26 season with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) while appearing in all 82 games for the Capitals. At the same time, the team missed the playoffs for just the fifth time during The Great 8’s tenure in D.C.

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