Bilder des Tages - SPORT Eishockey, WM Spiel um Platz 3, Russland - USA 160522 Rysslands Alexander Ovechkin far bronsmedaljen efter bronsmatchen i Ishockey-VM mellan Ryssland och USA den 22 maj 2016 i Moskva. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxONLY Copyright: LUDVIGxTHUNMAN BB160522LT036 Images the Day Sports Ice hockey World Cup Game to square 3 Russia USA 160522 Rysslands Alexander Ovechkin Far efter bronsmatchen I Ishockey VM Periods Ryssland och USA the 22 Maj 2016 I Moskva PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxONLY Copyright LUDVIGxTHUNMAN
Bilder des Tages - SPORT Eishockey, WM Spiel um Platz 3, Russland - USA 160522 Rysslands Alexander Ovechkin far bronsmedaljen efter bronsmatchen i Ishockey-VM mellan Ryssland och USA den 22 maj 2016 i Moskva. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxONLY Copyright: LUDVIGxTHUNMAN BB160522LT036 Images the Day Sports Ice hockey World Cup Game to square 3 Russia USA 160522 Rysslands Alexander Ovechkin Far efter bronsmatchen I Ishockey VM Periods Ryssland och USA the 22 Maj 2016 I Moskva PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxONLY Copyright LUDVIGxTHUNMAN
As NHL legend Alex Ovechkin confirmed his 22nd return this season, Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery’s latest admission revealed his unshakable faith in the 40-year-old icon.
“(Ovechkin can) continue to be the leader that he’s been through his career as our captain and continue to help a winning team, hopefully a playoff team, and young players… to grow their game and develop and get to the next level,” Carbery said this Friday, per RMNB’s Katie Adler.
After wrapping up this season with a team-high 32 goals and 64 points, Ovechkin initially considered retirement. However, neither the NHL world nor its all-time leader in goals (929) was ready to write the ending just yet.
Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) waves to the fans after being named number one star of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Capitals' season home finale at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) waves to the fans after being named number one star of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Capitals' season home finale at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
And the coach’s faith is only natural. The Capitals captain led the team to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. He leads the league in power-play goals (331), game-winning goals (141), and overtime goals (27), noted RMNB’s writer Chris Cerullo, in an article published on July 2, 2026.
“He can still continue to defy odds and be a very productive, good NHL player for the Washington Capitals and help us win a lot of hockey games,” Carbery added in the same segment. “That’s the way that I see it going.”
Carbery’s remarks told a story beyond the stats. The story of the captain who wanted to chase the Stanley Cup for one more year with the team.
Alex Ovechkin on His Run With the Capitals
Ovechkin signed a one-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.25 million, the team announced on July 2, 2026. In a press release by the team, the soon-to-be 42-year-old star explained the reason behind this return.
“Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision,” he said. “I’m healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I’m excited to come back and join my teammates. So we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC!”
Whether this season draws the curtain on his illustrious career or not, the coach, the organization and his teammates would pour their hearts into their returning captain.
And he's in for another Stanley Cup chase.
Are you excited to see how his season plays out? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy