Capitals usher in a youth movement as they prepare for life after Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin is 40 years old and nearing the end of his 21st season in the NHL, all with the Washington Capitals, and his latest contract is up. Eleven months since becoming the league's career goal-scoring leader, the face of the franchise has yet to say whether this is it or if he wants to play again in 2026-27. The Capitals are planning for either contingency while ushering in a youth movement on the fly. Trading 36-year-old organizational cornerstone John Carlson at the trade deadline was the latest step in them turning the page on a group of players that were part of winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.