Alex Ovechkin's wife, Nastya, may have just confirmed what Capitals fans have speculated for years—Ovechkin could be playing his final NHL season in 2025-26 before returning to Russia. In an exclusive interview, she revealed the family plans to move back to Moscow following the last year of Ovi’s contract, aligning with his long-rumored desire to finish his career with Dynamo Moscow. While the Capitals' front office has denied any official decision, this revelation adds fuel to the idea that next season could become an emotional farewell tour for one of the game’s all-time greats.

Meanwhile, the future is taking shape with standout prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko making major strides in Hershey and during his NHL stints. The Capitals are also focused on locking up key restricted free agents Connor McMichael and Martin Fehérváry, both of whom had breakout seasons and are eligible for extensions on July 1. With a rising salary cap and the risk of offer sheets looming, General Manager Chris Patrick is looking to be proactive in solidifying the team’s young core as the franchise braces for its post-Ovechkin era.

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about what really matters in the playoffs: goaltending. Also, we discuss how to improve the regular season AND the playoff format, before swinging back to the playoffs to talk about the importance of physical players like Sam Bennett in the postseason!

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!

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Is 2025/2026 season going to be the last for Capitals star Alex Ovechkin? The Washington Capitals head into the 2024–25 season with a crowded center depth chart and a major question at third-line center. Hendrix Lapierre is looking to rebound after a disappointing stint in the NHL last year, while Pierre-Luc Dubois is coming off a resurgent season that solidified him as Washington’s No. 1 center. With Dylan Strome likely holding down the second line and Nic Dowd entrenched on the fourth, Lapierre will need to outshine Connor McMichael and Alexei Protas to seize a full-time role. Meanwhile, the blue line looks revamped with the additions of Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and the Capitals' forward group has added speed and grit through Brandon Duhaime and Anthony Beauvillier.

Amid all this roster movement, speculation continues to swirl around Alex Ovechkin’s future. Rumors suggest the 2024–25 campaign could be his final NHL season, as he nears the end of his contract and the long chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goal record winds down. While the team remains committed to competing now, there’s a clear shift toward youth and long-term planning, with top prospect Ryan Leonard expected to make his full-time NHL debut. All eyes will be on training camp as the Caps balance legacy, transition, and the fierce battle for ice time down the middle.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)