What happened: The 2026-27 campaign will be Alex Ovechkin's last, closing a run that reaches a 22nd season. Word of the decision surfaced October 5, days after the September 29 opening slate.

Why it matters: Ovechkin leaves as one of the defining goal scorers of his era. His final-season goal total now becomes the central storyline to track.

What to watch: Watch for opening-week lineups and any formal farewell schedule around the finale.