Alex Ovechkin announces this will be his final NHL season as all-time great career comes to a close

Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday ahead of the Washington Capitals home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins that this season will be his last in the National Hockey League.

The 41-year-old signed a one-year contract during the offseason to return to Washington for what is his 22nd season in the NHL, all of which he has spent in the nation's capital.

In a statement shared by the organization, Ovechkin explained that he had come to the decision to retire during the summer.

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"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision," the statement from Ovechkin read.

"It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special."

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Ovechkin, the all-time goal-scoring leader in NHL history with 929 goals, played in all 82 regular season games for Washington a year ago. At 40 years old, it marked the first time he played 82 games in a season since the 2017-18 campaign.

Ovechkin's retirement announcement comes exactly 21 years after he made his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 5, 2005. The Russian superstar scored two goals in what was a 3-2 win over Columbus.

Ovechkin saw his average ice time drop to a career-low 17:26 per game last season, but he still managed to score 32 goals and tack on 32 assists as well.

The final home game on the Capitals' regular season schedule this season is a matchup against the Penguins, which could set up an unbelievable scene with Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby battling things out at least one more time.