Ovechkin signs with NHL's Caps to play 22nd season, nears record for most played by US pro athlete

Alex Ovechkin is ringing in his 22nd season as he turns 41 in September. He is one athlete among a group of big names with decades of experience in American men's professional sports.

By Lane Smith

Published: July 6, 2026 12:44pm

The Washington Capitals re-sign captain Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract extension, making him the longest tenured athlete in the history of Washington professional sports.

Ovechkin will return for his 22nd season. His name sits next to other infamous longstanding athletes in men’s professional sports.

“I’m back!” said Ovechkin. “Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I’m healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I’m excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC!”

Chris Chelios and Gordie Howe hold the record for seasons played in the NHL. They played 26 seasons in the NHL, respectively.

LeBron James recently finished up his 23rd season in the NBA, breaking Vince Carter’s record for the most in NBA history. Nolan Ryan and Cap Anson each played 27 seasons in the MLB, George Blanda played 26 seasons in the NFL, and Kyle Beckerman played 21 seasons in the MLS, according to ESPN.

Ovechkin will be 41 in September, and he will earn $1 million in salary. He will receive a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. His contract will have an average annual value of $4.25 million, according to Prince of Petworth.

Ovechkin will surpass Walter Johnson, who played 21 seasons with the Washington Senators (1907-1927), as the longest-tenured athlete in the history of Washington, D.C. professional sports. The 2026-2027 season will be Ovechkin’s 18th as captain.

He holds NHL records for the most power play goals (331) and game-winning goals (141). Brandon Duhaime, who played with Ovechkin on the Capitals for the past two seasons, said he is very happy for Ovechkin.

“What is he, 41, 42, and just incredible that this guy’s still finding ways to put up 30-goal seasons,” said Duhaime. “As a fan of the game, just to be able to watch him and over the past two years, to be able to see him break those records was pretty surreal. Growing up watching him and then being a part of that was absolutely incredible. Obviously wish him nothing but the best this season. Just a really incredible story. Really happy for him and his family.”