(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Alex Ovechkin told reporters Thursday morning that he's 'pretty sure' he will return for a 22nd NHL season.

The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer addressed his playing future as his Washington Capitals teammates cleaned out their lockers. The team failed to qualify for the postseason.

Ovechkin, who will turn 41 before the start of next season, concluded playing on the final season of a five-year, $47.5 million contract following Washington's 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

'I'm pretty sure it's not my last game. I hope it's not my last game against Columbus. How I said, I have to make a decision to see where we're at,' the Capitals captain said. 'Team, family. Obviously my family is going to support me. Kids have already asked me, 'Dad are you staying or no'? I told them we'll see.

'They're excited. They want me to come back because they love the city and the team.'

With Wayne Gretzky in attendance, Ovechkin surpassed the Hall of Fame member when he broke his NHL goal record with career goal No. 895 in a game against the New York Islanders on April 6, 2025. Ovechkin has upped his goal total to 929 after scoring a team-leading 32 times this season.

Ovechkin has a club-best 64 points this season to push his career total to 1,687, which ranks 10th all-time in NHL history.

He has won the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy for leading the NHL in goals a league-record nine times since being selected by Washington with the top overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft.

Ovechkin guided the Capitals to a Stanley Cup title in 2018 and is a three-time Hart Trophy recipient as the NHL MVP.

--Field Level Media