Ovechkin Chases 900 Goals: Will the Great Eight Return to Russia?

Alex Ovechkin: The Pursuit of 900 and the Looming Decision on a Russian Return

As of 12 February 2026, the hockey world is focused on Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who stands on the precipice of yet another historic milestone while facing significant questions regarding the final chapter of his legendary career. Having already surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record in April 2025, the 40-year-old winger is now just one goal away from becoming the first player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal plateau.

Despite his continued production, the “Great Eight” enters the 2026 Olympic break amidst a rare scoring drought, having gone four consecutive games without a goal. Analysts have noted a shift in his playstyle this season, with his shots per game averaging 2.25, a notable decline from his career norms. However, his impact remains undeniable; he was recently featured in the NHL’s “Top 10 Plays of the 1st Half” for his pursuit of the 900-goal mark.

The Future: Washington or Moscow?

The most pressing storyline surrounding Ovechkin is his expiring contract with the Washington Capitals. With his current deal set to conclude at the end of the 2025-26 season, speculation regarding a return to Russia has intensified. Recent reports indicate that KHL President Alexei Morozov plans to hold formal discussions with Ovechkin this summer to explore a return to his roots with Dynamo Moscow.

While Ovechkin has hinted at a desire to finish his career in his home country, he has officially stated that no final decision has been made. “Alex Ovechkin hasn’t made any decisions regarding his NHL future,” reported Sammi Silber of The Hockey News earlier this week. The Capitals organization remains in a “wait-and-see” mode as their franchise icon weighs retirement, a KHL homecoming, or a potential short-term extension in the District.

Olympic Absence and Mid-Season Rest

While many of his NHL peers have travelled to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Ovechkin remains in North America due to the ongoing ban on Russian team sports in international competition. This forced hiatus provides the veteran winger with a critical recovery period following a physical first half of the season that included a stint on the Injured Reserve (IR) in late 2025 due to a lower-body injury.

During the break, Ovechkin has remained in the public eye, recently making headlines for a high-profile jersey exchange with NBA superstar LeBron James in Washington. The meeting of the two icons served as a reminder of Ovechkin’s status as one of the most influential athletes of the 21st century.

Career Statistics & Milestones (as of 12 February 2026)

As the NHL season prepares to resume following the Olympic festivities, all eyes will be on the Capitals’ schedule. The quest for goal number 900 is expected to be the primary focus of the league’s final quarter, serving as a potential swan song for the greatest goal-scorer the game has ever seen.