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Alex Ovechkin delays retirement, signs one-year deal with Capitals
By Justin Boggs at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin surprised the hockey world Thursday by announcing he will return for a 22nd NHL season, postponing retirement for at least one more year. The contract is worth $4.75 million.The Capitals said the NHLs all-time leading goal scorer signed a one-year contract t...
Key takeaway The Capitals said the NHLs all-time leading goal scorer signed a one-year contract to remain with the team that drafted him in 2004.
Why this matters in The Waco
While Alex Ovechkin's decision to return to the Washington Capitals for another season may seem like a distant development to Waco residents, the implications of his continued career can be felt in local hockey communities. As one of the most recognizable and accomplished players in the NHL, Ovechkin's passion for the game can inspire young hockey players in McLennan County to pursue their own athletic ambitions. Furthermore, the Capitals' retooling efforts, including the signing of Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais, demonstrate the team's commitment to competitiveness, a mindset that can trickle down to local sports teams and influence their own approaches to building successful programs. As the new season approaches, Waco hockey fans will be watching to see how Ovechkin's return and the Capitals' revamped roster will impact the team's performance, and perhaps draw parallels to their own favorite local teams.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin surprised the hockey world Thursday by announcing he will return for a 22nd NHL season, postponing retirement for at least one more year. The contract is worth $4.75 million.The Capitals said the NHLs all-time leading goal scorer signed a one-year contract t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Justin Boggs at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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