Alex Ovechkin defers decision on return to NHL next season

Alex Ovechkin needs more time. The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer has not made a final decision on his playing future and, instead, will share his plans for the 2026-27 season at a later date, Ovechkin said in an interview posted on the team’s X account on Wednesday morning.Asked by team broadcaster John Walton if he had made a decision about next season, Ovechkin said, “No, not yet. We’re going to make a decision in the summer. I have to talk with Ted (Leonsis, team owner), with (general manager Chris Patrick), with Mac (president hockey operations Brian MacLellan), and I have to make a decision in the summer.”Advertisement