The NHL’s all-time leading scorer has re-signed with the Washington Capitals to a one-year, incentive-based contract, the team announced Thursday.
Ovechkin will earn a base salary of $1 million and an additional $4.75 million if he plays 10 games. He will also receive a $3.25 million signing bonus, costing the Capitals $4.25 million over the cap.
“I’m back!” Ovechkin announced this in a team statement. “Thank you everyone for giving me and my family time to make this decision. I’m healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I’m excited to get back and join my teammates so we can compete for a playoff spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC!”
Ovechkin, 40, played all 82 games last season, recording a team-best 32 goals and 32 assists. He led or co-led the Capitals in goals in each of his 21 seasons.
Now with 929 career goals and 1,006 including the playoffs, Ovechkin returns to Washington just 10 points shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 1,016 regular-season and playoff goals.
If Ovechkin surpasses Gretzky’s record, he will likely do so in the only jersey he has ever known and return to the Capitals for a 22nd season. The Russian was the club’s first overall pick in 2004 and led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018.
Along the way, Ovechkin also won a Calder Trophy, nine Rocket Richard Trophies, three Hart Trophies and a Conn Smythe Trophy.
Now the accolades will continue to pile up.
Ovechkin’s return marks the fourth major step forward this season for Washington, which also made big deals with St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou and Buffalo Sabers forward Alex Tuch and signed longtime Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner in free agency.
“Alex has proven year after year that he can execute offensively and that he continues to be the driving force of our team. We are very excited about the additions we made this offseason to strengthen our roster and make our group more competitive. We believe our squad is well balanced and will help create more opportunities for Alex to create offense and score goals. Additionally, his presence in our locker room, especially with our young players, will continue to have a tremendous impact on our organization and help shape our team culture for years to come.” General Manager Chris Patrick made the announcement.
The Capitals missed the playoffs last season just a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy but appear primed to climb back up the standings.