Alex Ovechkin Signs One-Year Extension, Cites Messi and Ronaldo as Inspiration

Alex Ovechkin is returning to the Washington Capitals for a 22nd season, after signing a one-year, $4.25-million contract extension. He cited Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as inspirations for aging sports stars.

Ovechkin pointed to Messi and Ronaldo as examples of how greatness doesn't always come with an expiration date. He said, "If you look at Messi and Ronaldo, those players show examples that if you're able to continue to show the level that you have, the skill, it's tremendous."

Coming off a 32-goal, 64-point campaign in the 2025-26 season, Ovechkin is willing to overlook questions of his age and ability to continue pursuing greatness. He said, "I'm going to be 41 years old; I've had lots of pressure on my shoulders throughout the years."

Ovechkin's youthful spirit is also driven by the injection of talent built through the Capitals' prospect pipeline over the past few seasons. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson are just a few of the standout youngsters who have helped accelerate the team's competitive timeline.

The pressure of maintaining a role in the NHL at his age is different from breaking into the league, Ovechkin said. "It's a totally different thing," he said. "When you're 22 or 23, you take every pressure in a different way. I know how to handle it."

Ovechkin's focus is on the game and helping his team win. He said, "I'm not going to think about it. I'm going to focus on the game and helping my team to win." The Capitals will look to build on their recent success with Ovechkin leading the charge.

The team's energy is palpable, Ovechkin said. "When you're in the locker room, you can feel the energy," he said. "The soccer games, the practices, the routines that we have, it gives you so much energy. Then you come to the ice, and you feel that the team is just flying around."

Ovechkin is motivated to keep coming to the rink, thanks to the young talent on the team. He said, "The young guys like Hutson, Leonard, obviously they're going to have great careers, but I have to take that moment, take that energy back to me."

On Monday, Ovechkin spoke to the press about his decision to return to the Capitals. He expressed his admiration for Messi and Ronaldo, saying, "We watch Messi and Ronaldo almost every time, and I'm very impressed."

The 2025-26 season was a successful one for Ovechkin, with 32 goals and 64 points. He will look to build on that success in the upcoming season.

Ovechkin's contract extension is a significant development for the Capitals, as they look to remain competitive in the NHL. With Ovechkin leading the charge, the team will look to make a deep playoff run.

The Capitals' prospect pipeline has been a key factor in the team's success in recent years. Players like Leonard and Hutson have helped to accelerate the team's competitive timeline.

Ovechkin's experience and elite talent make him a valuable asset to the Capitals. He will look to use his skills to help the team win, and to prove that he can still compete at a high level.

The upcoming season will be an important one for Ovechkin and the Capitals. With a strong roster and a motivated team, they will look to make a deep playoff run and bring home a championship.