Washington Capitals' Ovechkin announces intention to retire at end of season

The 41-year-old forward and team captain told his teammates in a video posted to social media, stating that this would be his final year.

He said: "This is going to be my last year. 

"... It's sad, but it is what it is. We have an unbelievable team this year, and we have 82 games left. Let's make the playoffs and have some fun."

After the announcement, the Capitals named him as part of their first line for their home opener on Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In a further statement, Ovechkin added: "My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL. I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision.

"It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

Across a career that has spanned more than two decades, the Russian national has scored a record 929 goals and led the side to their first Stanley Cup triumph in 2018.

He propelled himself to the top of multiple all-time NHL records after joining the league in 2005, ranking first in 40-goal seasons (14) and power-play goals (331). He broke Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record last year when he netted his 895th, a mark once thought untouchable.

Ovechkin courted controversy in the off-season when he agreed to appear in a political advertisement in support of the United Russia party, which has the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He later told reporters of his decision: "I support my country."

But the forward has long held the overwhelming affections of the US capital's fans, and ticket prices for the team's final regular-season home game in April soared on secondary sales platforms after his announcement.

His departure will bring to an end one of the sport's most compelling rivalries, with his multi-year, back-and-forth battle against Canada's Sidney Crosby captivating fans.

Crosby was drafted first overall the year after Ovechkin.

"It's tough - you come into the league at 18 years old and before we even met we were kind of built up against each other," Pittsburgh Penguins captain Crosby told reporters. "Over the years, obviously, have developed a friendship with him and have a ton of respect for him."