Ovechkin to Decide on Retirement After NHL Season

Washington, D.C. - Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals captain and the National Hockey League's all-time leading goal scorer, announced Wednesday that he will wait until after the current season ends to decide whether to retire or return for a 22nd NHL campaign.

In a pretaped interview with Capitals radio broadcaster John Walton that aired during the team's broadcast, Ovechkin said he plans to consult with his family, team owner Ted Leonsis, president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan and general manager Chris Patrick before making a final call this summer. "We're going to make a decision in the summer," Ovechkin stated. He emphasized health as the primary consideration, noting, "I'm going to be 41 years old in September, so you just have to be smart about it."

Ovechkin's current contract expires on June 30, leaving his future with the Capitals uncertain as the team faces an elimination scenario in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Washington entered its game Wednesday night in Toronto five points out of the second wild-card spot, with just three regular-season games remaining after that matchup. The Capitals will host a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh...