This marks the second occasion this season that Ovechkin has broached the topic of retirement. Earlier in the year, speaking to American media, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the game, indicating that once that enjoyment wanes, it might be time to step away.
With Ovechkin hinting that his current contract could be his last in the NHL, a two-and-a-half-season countdown to retirement has commenced. This timeframe also presents him with an opportunity to surpass Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record.