Alex Ovechkin’s future is one of the most frequently discussed topics surrounding the Washington Capitals this season. The 40-year-old legendary winger’s contract with the Capitals expires next summer, and he’s admitted that he plans to play out the entire 2025-26 season before deciding on his future.

In the past, Ovechkin has suggested that he’d like to finish his on-ice career with his hometown team, Dynamo Moscow of the KHL. He recently reiterated those desires to Jeff Marek and Bruce Boudreau during his guest appearance on the Hockey Lifers Podcast.

“Yeah. I grew up there. I played for Dynamo,” Ovechkin said. “Of course, I want to play maybe one or two games. We’ll see. You never know what’s going to happen, right? Right now, I’m here and I’m enjoying my days here. We’ll see.”

Ovechkin began his hockey journey in Dynamo’s academy and played the first four years of his professional career with the club in what was then called the Russian Super League. Ovechkin, who currently serves in an advisory role with the club, has remained active in an alumni setting with Dynamo and even returned to play for the team during the 2012-13 NHL lockout.

The Moscow native has played with the Caps for the last 20 years, having been drafted by the team first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. Dynamo’s President, Viktor Voronin, said last February that he is prepared to negotiate with Ovechkin after his contract with the Capitals expires next July.

“You wait until you’re Jagr’s age before you do that,” Boudreau said.

“Would you ever play that long?” Marek asked.

“No, no,” Ovechkin replied. “My kids wants to. They always ask me, ‘Dad, is this your last year? Are you gonna play in Russia for Dynamo?’ Let’s enjoy this time. Sergei right now, he’s 7. I’m 40. So he’s gonna be drafted in 11 years. I’m gonna be 51. Should we call Ted (Capitals owner Ted Leonsis) right now?”

Ovechkin spoke about the prospect of playing with his son, Sergei, this past summer, saying that he had already achieved his dream when he was able to skate with Sergei in a Russian charity game last year.

“In 15 years, I’ll be 55,” he added. “At 55, I’m not ready to play professional hockey.”

Outside of winning another Stanley Cup, Ovechkin has little left to accomplish in the NHL. He ticked off both the 900-goal and 1,500-game milestones this season. One of the only major records he has left to chase concerns the all-time hits list, where he trails Cal Clutterbuck by 252 hits.