The NHL will officially be losing one of its icons following the 2026-27 season. On Monday, Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin announced that he would be retiring from the NHL following this season.

Ovechkin sent his thanks to his teammates and the Capitals organization in a statement that the team posted on social media.

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“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” part of the statement read. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.”

This story will be updated.