Ovechkin Finally Opens Up About Retirement… And His Answer Has Fans Divided

Alex Ovechkin has already made up his mind about where his narrative will conclude, and it won’t be in North America.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow during the Ovi Cup on Saturday, the Washington Capitals captain affirmed his intention to relocate to Moscow after his NHL career officially concludes.

 

“Moscow is my hometown. It is obvious that I will live here. Here are my family, loved ones, and friends,” Ovechkin told sports.ru’s Nikita Nadezhin.

 

Given his background, that’s hardly shocking. Ovechkin was born and raised in Moscow. Both of his parents played professionally for Dynamo Moscow, his mother in basketball and his father in soccer.

 

In what was then known as the Russian Super League, Ovechkin spent his first four professional seasons with the same Dynamo club where his own hockey career began.

 

He has maintained ties to the club ever since, working in an advisory capacity and even playing for Dynamo during the NHL lockout in 2012–13.

 

He has been clear about how he wants his playing career to conclude, stating several times that he plans to play his final game for Dynamo before retiring.

 

A final NHL retirement date has not yet been set by Ovechkin.

More than a month after Ovechkin extended his contract with Washington for a year, ensuring his NHL career will last for at least one more season, this confirmation arrived.

 

He has not yet decided if 2026–27 will be his last season in North America, thus there is a great deal of doubt as to precisely when this farewell Dynamo game will take place.

 

Ovechkin and his son Sergei also participated in the Ovi Cup’s all-star gala match over the weekend, with Sergei scoring a hat trick in that exhibition.

 

This season, none of this changes anything. Still pursuing any records that are within reach, Ovechkin is expected to wear a Washington uniform.

 

Yet, for a player who has spent over two decades establishing a life in North America, this is as obvious an indication as it can get that his Moscow roots were always secure.

 

Ovechkin has made one thing clear, whether that final Dynamo farewell occurs after this season or a few years from now. Moscow was always going to be his home, regardless of where his NHL career ultimately finishes.