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

Veteran Forward Explains Why Alex Ovechkin's Extension Matters to the Capitals: "He's the Guy"

Jul 4, 2026, 2:00 PM CUT

Alex Ovechkin’s one‑year extension immediately reshaped the Washington Capitals’ offseason plans. The Capitals' captain announced his return for a 22nd NHL season in the team group chat, a moment that defenseman Vincent Desharnais said energized the roster.

Desharnais had just signed a four‑year deal with Washington on July 1 when he learned of Ovechkin’s decision.

Desharnais expressed his excitement about joining Ovechkin, saying, “He’s the guy. He’s been there forever... Super excited to meet him and get to know him, and hopefully I can give him a pass or two he can take a one‑tee with,” as shared by The Hockey News reporter Sammi Silber on X.

This shows the weight of Ovechkin’s reputation across the league.

Ovechkin’s new deal carries an average annual value of $4.25 million. It is made up of a $1 million salary, a $4.75 million games‑played bonus, and a $3.25 million signing bonus.

The 40-year-old is the longest‑tenured athlete in Washington, D.C., sports history. Ovechkin will go past Walter Johnson (21 seasons with the Washington Senators: 1907-1927). Moreover, he will enter the season as the NHL’s all‑time leading goal scorer (929).

Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) salutes 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

Ovechkin has 929 goals and 1,687 points across 1,573 games—all with Washington since being drafted first overall in 2004.

"I'm back," Ovechkin said in a statement shared by NHL.com. "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."

General manager Chris Patrick added that the team is thrilled to keep Ovechkin and will build a more competitive roster around him.

Those additions include players like Desharnais, forward Boone Jenner, and defenseman Justin Holl, all signed around the same time.

Washington Capitals Plan to Rebuild the Roster

The Capitals missed the playoffs last season, but Ovechkin’s extension signals they are not entering a full rebuild. Instead, they surrounded him with new signings: Desharnais, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner, and defenseman Justin Holl.

According to a report by The Hockey News, Washington also traded for forwards Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch in late June.

Jenner, 33, spent 13 years with Columbus and signed a four‑year, $23 million deal. He served as the Columbus captain for the past five seasons.

Now, with Ovechkin’s extension, he and Sidney Crosby stand as the rare players to spend 22 seasons with one franchise.

For newly added players like Desharnais and Jenner, their spot on the team is already secure. With an established veteran like Ovechkin ready to guide them, they will look to get better.

While Ovechkin remains the face of the franchise and its centerpiece, the fresh faces on the roster are expected to only strengthen further.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Koushik Biswas