Alex Ovechkin confirms today that he'll end his career in Russia

Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, confirmed today what many have speculated for years: That it's his intent to end his professional hockey career in Russia.

"I really want to come back [to Russia] and end my career at Dynamo Moscow," Ovechkin said yesterday according to Washington Capitals blog RMNB.

Ovechkin's contract with the Capitals expires this upcoming offseason and he has been non-committal about his NHL future.

So... is this it?

One thing's clear, the KHL is preparing for Ovechkin's return.

“We’re not bothering him right now, because he has an NHL contract,” KHL President Alexei Morozov said, as translated via Google Translate. “Sasha is very focused on the game. They’re currently on a break in the [regular season], and Alexander is relaxing with his family and preparing for the important part of the season. We’ll certainly discuss everything with him this summer.

“We talk often, see each other in the summer, and discuss various topics. A few years ago, he asked me how things are going in the KHL. He knows everything that’s going on in the league. If he decides to continue his career in the KHL, we’ll be delighted.”

For what it's worth, Capitals GM Chris Patrick hasn't commented publicly on Ovechkin's future with his team.

“Haven’t really had that conversation,” Patrick said. “We talked a little bit, just about where the team is and what he feels we need, and what I feel we need. But it didn’t really get too much into his future outside of this year.”

Are we witnessing the final days of Ovi in the NHL?