May 16 (UPI) -- The Washington Capitals expect legendary winger Alex Ovechkin to return for a 21st season in 2025-26, coach Spencer Carberry told reporters.
Carberry made the comments after the Carolina Panthers beat the Capitals 3-1 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series, ousting Ovechkin and his teammates from the playoffs.
"My understanding is he's under contract, so he'll be back next year," Carberry said.
Ovechkin, 39, signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals in 2021. He is entering the final year of that pact.
The future Hall of Famer, who broke Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record on April 6, scored 44 times and logged 29 assists over 65 appearances this season. The Capitals, who lost in the first round of the playoffs last postseason, went 51-22-9 in 2024-25 to lead the Eastern Conference.
