Alex Ovechkin recently spoke to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan about reaching his latest milestone — becoming the 24th player in NHL history to suit up in 1,500 games — and his thoughts about when he might retire.

While his answers were brief, Ovechkin admitted that his health will be the most significant factor in his decision-making, as he doesn’t want to push his body past the point of no return.

Kaplan conducted the interview ahead of the Washington Capitals’ nationally televised game against the Dallas Stars on ESPN, Tuesday night.

Transcript

Emily Kaplan: “When you started, did you ever think 1,500 was possible?

Alex Ovechkin: No, no. Not a chance.

Emily Kaplan: What was your goal then?

Alex Ovechkin: One game.

Emily Kaplan: Only seven other guys have done it just with one team. What did it take to get there?

Alex Ovechkin: Everything. I think it’s luck, health-wise, trust from your coaches, from your ownership. It’s a tremendous honor. Lucky enough to play so many years in one team. Health-wise, you know, like, I wish everybody can make that numbers.

Emily Kaplan: You’re literally the greatest goal scorer of all time. What still motivates you at this point?

Alex Ovechkin: I still love game. I still have passion. You just enjoy it because you never know when you’re going to get hurt or when you’re going to be retired.

Emily Kaplan: And you’re in the last year of your contract. A lot of people want to know how long you’ll keep playing. When will you know when it’s time to hang them up?

Alex Ovechkin: Most important thing is health. I don’t want to play hockey and then, like, when I’m retired, like, I don’t want– like, I can play soccer with my kids or I can skate with them. Right now, I’m just– I want to take as much energy from a crowd. You have to enjoy the moment.

Ovechkin’s interview with Kaplan follows what he’s said in past chats about his future. At Capitals training camp in September, Ovechkin told the media that he had yet to make a decision.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Do you know? I don’t know if it’s going to be last. We’ll see.”

When asked about possible contract extension talks this season, Ovechkin replied, “No, not [thinking about another contract] yet. So, we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

While Capitals players have tried to avoid thinking about the possibility of an Ovechkin-less Capitals team, general manager Chris Patrick has taken an approach where he’s leaving everything up to the team’s legendary player.

“I want him to have the space to have this season go how he wants it to go,” Patrick said. “And, you know, if he wants to talk, we’ll talk. If not, we’ll figure it out later.

“I’m just at a point where every time I see him play, I’m just appreciating it because he’s 40 years old. We’re not going to have this forever. To get to witness that every night is a treat.”