Alex Ovechkin reportedly set to return to Russia on Wednesday

"Ovechkin and family are set to arrive in Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday after a full day of travel. The Washington Capitals captain will depart the DMV without a contract for next season."

"Ovechkin stated on Breakdown Day that he was "pretty sure" that he hadn't played his last game in the NHL. He emphasized that he'll be factoring in family, health, and, most importantly, whether the Capitals plan to contend for a Stanley Cup, into his decision on returning for a 22nd career season."

"The Capitals missed the playoffs for just the fifth time during Ovechkin's 21-year stint with the club, trailing the Philadelphia Flyers by three standings points at the end of their 82-game schedule. He played in all 82 games for the Caps this past year, taking the ice for what could be the final time in the NHL against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 14."

"Ovechkin will officially become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but the Capitals are expected to want an answer from the 40-year-old winger before then. The 2026 NHL Draft gets underway on June 26, and the Caps own two first-round draft picks, which they could move to bolster their roster. NHL free agency then opens days later, and the Capitals are set to have $36.6 million to spend."

Ovechkin and his family are scheduled to arrive in Moscow after a full day of travel, with no concrete plan to return to Washington, DC, this fall. He left the DMV without a contract for next season and said he was “pretty sure” he had not played his last NHL game. His decision will depend on family and health, and especially whether the Capitals plan to contend for a Stanley Cup. The Capitals missed the playoffs for the fifth time during his 21-year tenure, finishing three points behind the Philadelphia Flyers. Ovechkin played all 82 games and could be playing his final NHL game on April 14. He becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, while the Capitals are expected to seek an answer before then. The team has two first-round picks for the 2026 NHL Draft and $36.6 million available in free agency, which could be heavily affected if he returns.

Read at RMNB