If you’ve always wanted to see Alexander Ovechkin play in person — or have seen him but want one more chance — it’s time to check your calendar.
The Washington Capitals captain announced Monday, October 5, that the 2026–27 season will be his last in the NHL. For fans outside Washington, that gives an ordinary regular-season game a new significance: the Capitals’ next visit could be your final local opportunity to see him play.
At 41, Ovechkin is playing his 22nd NHL season, all with Washington. He broke Wayne Gretzky’s career goal-scoring record in April 2025 and entered this season with 929 goals. Now, the player who spent two decades giving opposing fans something to fear is giving them a reason to show up and say goodbye.
“I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision,” Ovechkin said.
One season left doesn’t mean plenty of opportunities
The important detail for fans planning to attend is how few times Washington visits their home arena.
Western Conference fans get just one Capitals visit this regular season. Miss that game, and seeing Ovechkin would require travel or a possible Stanley Cup Final matchup.
Washington’s Metropolitan Division opponents each host the Capitals twice. That gives their fans two scheduled opportunities.
Atlantic Division teams host Washington once or twice, depending on the matchup.
There’s also a timing wrinkle: Carolina and Tampa Bay have already hosted Washington. Each has only one remaining regular-season visit.
Fans in markets with several nearby NHL arenas may have additional options within driving or transit distance. But for many people, the choice will be much simpler: attend the Capitals’ lone visit, or plan a trip elsewhere.
Don’t build your plan around the playoffs
A playoff series could create more opportunities, but those depend on Washington qualifying and drawing the right opponent. That’s a possibility to welcome if it happens, rather than something to count on when deciding whether to attend a regular-season game.
And a Capitals ticket guarantees admission to the game, not an Ovechkin appearance. Injuries, illness or a lineup decision could keep him off the ice. Fans traveling specifically to see him should follow his status as their game approaches and consider flexible travel arrangements.
For anyone who has been putting this off, though, the announcement changes the calculation. “I’ll catch him next season” is no longer a plan. Barring a playoff appearance, his last home game will be on Sunday, April 4, against Pittsburgh, and his last road game will be on Saturday, April 10, in Philadelphia.
Use The Stadium Insiders’ Ultimate Sports Calendar to find Washington’s visit to your local team—or look for a road trip that gives you another opportunity.
Whether you’re a Capitals supporter, a rival fan or someone who simply wants to watch the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, this is the season to make it happen.
