
Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky commented on the decision of Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin to retire from the NHL after the 2026/2027 season.
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Alexander Ovechkin announced that the 2026/2027 season will be his last in the NHL.
Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky appreciated the decision of Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin to end his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) after this season. The Canadian’s words are quoted by The Athletic.
Gretzky said that the final season of the Russian striker would be a significant event for the entire league. He also admitted that he was happy with Ovechkin’s success and especially his record for the number of goals scored.
“When he broke my record, I told him the words I heard from my father: “Don’t be surprised if one day someone beats him.” My father was a wise man,” Gretzky said.
Ovechkin previously announced that the 2026/2027 season would be his last in the NHL. According to him, the decision to end his career was made in the summer with his family.
The Russian has 929 goals in the NHL regular championships - this is the best result in the history of the league. Including the playoffs, Ovechkin scored 1,006 goals, which is the second most in history. The Russian is 10 goals behind Gretzky's record.
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The 2026/2027 season will be Ovechkin's last in the NHL.
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Russian hockey player Alexander Ovechkin announced that the 2026/2027 season will be his last in his NHL career. Since the announcement, ticket prices for his final home game of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 4, 2027 in Washington have increased, with the minimum price exceeding $1,000 and the most expensive ticket costing more than $3,200. By comparison, tickets for a regular home game start at $73.