Alex Ovechkin Likely to Leave the NHL Sooner Than Expected After Latest Report

This season has been all about Alex Ovechkin in Washington, with Capitals fans riding their captain all the way to history, as he sits just eight goals back of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record.

For those fans watching history in the making however, every moment should be cherished, as a recent report has revealed that the Great 8 is not bound for the NHL for much longer.

According to comments from Ovi, he doesn't think he'll extend his time in the NHL beyond his current deal, which runs through the end of the 2025/26 season, meaning that the 39-year old is likely done in North America after next year.

However, that's potentially not the end of his entire hockey career, as Ovechkin has hinted that if he can stay healthy for the remaining year and a half of his NHL career, he will likely try to finish it all at Dynamo Moskova, the organization in the KHL where his entire career began back in 2001.

Things could potentially change with the long-time captain between now and then, but given that he'll be 40-years old by that point, and especially given the style of play he currently plays in the NHL, it's safe to say that as he ages, it makes more sense for him to go overseas or head into retirement.

If next year is it for the former No. 1 overall pick, he'll go down as one of the greatest players in NHL history, and barring a tragedy, he'll be the best goalscorer in league history, so enjoy No. 8 in Washington while you can before his time in North America comes to an end.