Forward returns for 22nd NHL season after Washington missed playoffs July 02, 2026 It took some time, but in the end, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals gave everyone what they wanted. Ovechkin and the Capitals announced Thursday that the NHL’s all-time leader in goals will return for a 22nd season after signing a one-year contract that could pay him a much as $9 million: $1 million in salary, a $3.25 million signing bonus and a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games).