Alex Ovechkin turns 40 as the Washington Capitals open training camp, and with the final year of his five-year contract set to begin, the big question is whether this will be his last NHL season. After breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record last season, Ovechkin now sits at 897 career goals and is just three shy of becoming the first player in league history to hit 900. Despite missing 16 games with a fractured fibula, he still scored 44 goals and proved he can still dominate. While general manager Chris Patrick says the team will let Ovechkin decide his future on his own timeline, speculation continues to swirl about whether the legendary captain will retire or push forward for another run.

The playoff disappointment against Carolina may fuel Ovechkin’s motivation to return strong, and with milestones like 1,500 games and a top-10 spot on the all-time points list within reach, there are still records to chase. Ovechkin has hinted before about finishing his career in Russia with Dynamo Moscow, but for now, his focus remains on winning another Stanley Cup with Washington. Whether this season is the last chapter or not, Capitals fans should savor every game from the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.

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