This is what Alex Ovechkin needs to do before deciding his NHL future

Alex Ovechkin has announced that he will wait until the summer before making any decisions about his future. In a conversation with John Walton, the Capitals legend explained that he plans to take time after the season to reflect and consult with his family before determining his next steps. With just four regular-season games remaining in 2025-26, the pending UFA is leaving the decision for later.

After more than two decades in the NHL, Ovechkin has nothing left to prove. Yet, the question of what comes next is beginning to surface for one of hockey’s most iconic figures.

It’s been 21 years since Ovechkin made his debut with the Washington Capitals, and in that time, he has rewritten the record books. From surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the league’s all-time leading goal scorer to reaching the 1,000-goal milestone across regular season and playoffs, Ovechkin has solidified himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Add in a Stanley Cup championship in 2018, and his legacy is nothing short of complete.

Could this season mark the end of his career? While the question lingers for fans and analysts, Ovechkin himself admits he hasn’t seriously considered it. For now, his focus remains on the present, on the game he still clearly loves.

Even as the NHL counts down the final weeks of Ovechkin’s 2025-26 season, the hockey world waits patiently.

Whether he decides to hang up the skates or return for another run, his impact on the sport is undeniable, and his legacy will remain unmatched.

I hope he comes back for a little longer…