Alex Ovechkin’s Wife Jokes About Heat as NHL Star Signs 22nd Season Deal

Alex Ovechkin’s wife, Anastasia, joked about the brutal heat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, thanking her husband for choosing hockey over soccer. The Washington Capitals captain, 40, recently signed a one-year contract extension for his historic 22nd NHL season.

What Happened at the World Cup?

Anastasia Ovechkin attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0. Struggling with the intense summer heat, she playfully thanked her husband for his career choice.

'I realized one thing: I’m incredibly lucky that my husband plays hockey, not football,' she said. 'Because this heat is unreal. I can barely sit here. It’s impossible, I’m suffocating.'

Why It Matters for Alex Ovechkin

The lighthearted moment highlighted the stark contrast between hockey’s cold arenas and outdoor soccer’s summer conditions. Ovechkin responded with a simple message: 'All for you, my love.'

Meanwhile, the Capitals star is preparing for another NHL season, having signed a deal worth up to $9 million with a $4.25 million cap hit.

What Comes Next for Ovechkin?

Ovechkin’s new contract includes a $1 million base salary, a $3.25 million signing bonus, and a $4.75 million games-played bonus. If he stays healthy, he could earn significantly more than his cap hit.

With 929 regular-season goals, Ovechkin already holds the NHL’s all-time record. He’s just 11 goals shy of matching Wayne Gretzky’s combined total of 1,016. The Capitals are aiming for a playoff return, with Ovechkin chasing another Stanley Cup.