Washington Capitals ahead Dylan Strome has weighed in on the rising hypothesis surrounding Alex Ovechkin’s future, providing a perspective that may shock followers desperate to label the 2024-25 season because the legend’s farewell tour. Talking at a charity golf occasion, Strome expressed doubt that the upcoming season will likely be Ovechkin’s final, even though the veteran is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract.
Why Is Dylan Strome Pushing Again In opposition to Alex Ovechkin Retirement Discuss?
The 39-year-old winger, extensively thought to be one of many biggest purpose scorers in NHL historical past, has not dedicated to retiring after this season. Whereas many assume this might be his farewell tour, Ovechkin has pushed again on that narrative, and his teammates are following go well with.
“Look, we don’t know if it’s going to be his ultimate 12 months,” Strome instructed NHL.com. “You type of see what he mentioned a few days in the past, that it’s preposterous that individuals would speak about that this will likely be his final 12 months.”
“I imply, clearly it’s the ultimate 12 months of his contract, so something can occur. It’s his resolution, clearly, however I wouldn’t rule something out,” he added.
Yeah… Alex Ovechkin’s nonetheless acquired it… and he’s rocking no visor
(🎥: rus039/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/qZz6q3sC1q
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 9, 2025
Ovechkin is heading into the final season of his five-year, $47.5 million cope with Washington, which started in 2021. Regardless of turning 40 in September, he continues to be a key determine on the ice. Within the 2024-25 season, he reached 897 profession targets, turning into the NHL’s all-time main purpose scorer and surpassing Wayne Gretzky.
When requested about his future, Ovechkin instructed Russian outlet RIA Novosti, “Something’s doable. I’m not saying no, however I’m not saying sure both.” He additionally dismissed the concept he’s already made a retirement resolution, calling such claims “pure nonsense.”
What Makes Strome’s Opinion on Ovechkin’s Future So Vital?
Strome’s perspective carries weight as a result of he spent most of final season centering Ovechkin’s line, giving him a front-row seat to the captain’s situation and mindset. The connection between the 2 has been a shiny spot for the Capitals, with Strome crediting Ovechkin for serving to him attain career-best numbers with 29 targets, 53 assists, and 82 factors.
“It’s been an honor to play with him and nonetheless is,” Strome mentioned. “He’s clearly had a storybook profession, and he’s clearly had a constructive impact on mine.”
Dylan Strome on Alexander Ovechkin breaking the report for many profession targets scored: “He was simply that man, proper? Larger than the sport, in a means.
I feel that’s been clear these previous few weeks. The nearer he acquired to Gretzky’s report, there was simply this vitality within the constructing. I… pic.twitter.com/KKJ5gqKlPZ
— The Gamers’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) April 22, 2025
Tom Wilson, one other long-time teammate of Ovechkin, echoed Strome’s ideas in regards to the captain’s longevity. “You’ll be able to by no means doubt the man. He may play two, three extra years. He’s a man who loves to attain. He loves the sport of hockey,” Wilson mentioned.
“We’ll see what occurs. He’s going to knock down 900 [goals] after which begin chipping away on the subsequent milestone.”
Ovechkin wants simply three extra targets to hit the 900 mark, a feat no NHL participant has ever achieved. He’s additionally approaching 1,500 profession video games, one other historic milestone that would present further motivation to proceed enjoying.
Regardless of the whispers about retirement, the person himself stays centered on the season forward. No extension talks have taken place, based on Ovechkin, and for now, his future stays an open query. The Capitals open their 2025-26 season towards the Boston Bruins on October 8. Whether or not it’s a ultimate chapter or simply one other in a storied profession, all eyes will likely be on Alex Ovechkin as he takes the ice.
