Alex Ovechkin has told his Washington Capitals teammates that he plans to retire after the 2026-27 NHL season, sending ticket prices for the Capitals’ final games soaring. The announcement came in a video posted by the Capitals on Monday, in which the future Hall of Famer confirmed his decision to end his career following what will be his 22nd season in the league.
Ovechkin’s final regular-season home game will be on April 4, 2027, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with his last regular-season appearance overall scheduled for April 10 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Ticket prices for both matches spiked dramatically after the news broke. According to Gametime, tickets for the April 4 home game more than doubled within 24 hours, jumping from $356 on October 4 to $827 on October 5. Some tickets are listed at prices exceeding $17,000, making them among the most expensive NHL tickets available this season. The average ticket price for that game now sits at $1,959.
The regular-season finale in Philadelphia also saw a price rise, though less steep. Tickets rose from $156 to $257 on Monday, with the priciest seat listed at $8,516 and the average cost at $1,008. Another game with tickets listed above $15,000 is a March road game against the New York Rangers, though the exact details of those listings are less prominent.
In a statement released by the Capitals alongside the video, Ovechkin, 41, said, “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. 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.”
He added, “I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career.” Ovechkin concluded with a nod to the Capitals’ upcoming home opener against the Penguins on Wednesday, saying, “See you Wednesday, babes!”
Selected first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin has since built a remarkable career. He surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record in 2025 and continued to add to his tally. His decision to retire next season means the Capitals and their fans will have a final opportunity to witness one of hockey’s most prolific scorers in action.
The Capitals are expected to honour Ovechkin throughout the season with various celebrations and ceremonies. Meanwhile, ticket prices for his final appearances suggest strong demand as fans seek to secure a place at what will be historic games. The surge comes amid some uncertainty about Washington’s playoff prospects in 2027, which may further drive interest in seeing Ovechkin’s last regular-season home game.
The Capitals’ Wednesday night match against the Penguins will be the first chance for many to see Ovechkin after his announcement, with the team and player both keen to make the season memorable. Ticket prices and availability for that game have not been detailed, but the market reaction to the retirement news indicates that demand will remain high as the season progresses.
According to Yahoo Sports.
