# Alex Ovechkin NHL career and record pursuit

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alex-ovechkin-nhl-career-and-record-pursuit
> Updated: 2026-09-12T09:28:33.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Alex Ovechkin is preparing for his 22nd NHL season with the Washington Capitals. Advanced metrics indicate that despite approaching his 41st birthday, his shooting capabilities remain among the league’s best, ranking in the 99th percentile for hardest shot speed.

Ovechkin has signed a one-year contract with the Capitals featuring a $1 million base salary and $4.75 million in performance bonuses. He remains focused on breaking the NHL goal-scoring record, currently standing at 929 goals, and is positioned to challenge Wayne Gretzky’s record of 1,016 combined regular season and playoff goals.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Alexander Ovechkin returns to Washington Capitals for 22nd NHL season

Alexander Ovechkin returns to the Washington Capitals for his 22nd NHL season, signing a contract worth an average of $4.25 million as he pursues further goal-scoring records and a Stanley Cup.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexander-ovechkin-returns-to-washington-capitals-for-22nd-nhl-season

### 2026-09-03: Alex Ovechkin nears Wayne Gretzky goal record with elite metrics

Heading into his 41st year, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin maintains elite shooting metrics and sits just 10 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s combined career goal record.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-ovechkin-nears-wayne-gretzky-goal-record-with-elite-metrics

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Cite as: Alex Ovechkin NHL career and record pursuit. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alex-ovechkin-nhl-career-and-record-pursuit