Future Looks Bright for caps and fans

By: Sam Wilmeth

Alex Ovechkin’s 21st, and maybe final, season. Ryan Leonard’s dominant start to the season. The Washington Capitals’ push for one more playoff run with the Great Eight.

All of that is a lot to fit into one season of hockey.

And that is just a glimpse at how the Capitals are looking to make waves in the NHL’s 2025-2026 season.
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There is a lot to break down going into the regular season — and for fans, there is a lot to be hopeful for. Of course, I couldn’t mention the Capitals without talking about the longtime face of the franchise: Alex Ovechkin.

Whether you’re a fan of hockey or not, I’d be willing to bet you’ve seen Ovechkin’s name pop up in the news recently. Last season, Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s long standing goal record, and with snafu retirement rumors quickly spreading soon after, his name has stayed at the forefront of many hockey fans’ minds.

If you’re anything like me, rumors of Ovechkin’s retirement struck fear into your heart. This report, however, came from a leaked email from a Capitals staff member — and it was announced by the Capitals that the leak was unofficial and unsubstantiated. Ovechkin and his wife, Nastasiya, have come forward about the leak and the uncertainty of his future.

“She said maybe we’ll come and play in Russia,” Ovechkin said in a recent interview. “But it was just a ‘maybe.’ No one mentioned a specific date. Let’s just wait and see.”

While a future in Russia's national league, the KHL, may be tempting, Ovechkin is adamant that he has not made any decisions thus far.

“Anything is possible,” Ovechkin said. “I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes, either.”

So it was settled — Ovechkin was staying not only for the 2025-2026 season, but potentially for more seasons to follow. With that in mind, fans can’t help but look forward to exciting prospects of Ovechkin’s remaining time in the NHL.

Standing at 895 goals, Ovechkin is only a few great seasons away from the 1000-goal mark. Furthermore, an exciting albeit disappointing playoff run last season points at the potential for Ovechkin and the Capitals to serve as playoff contenders during this season.

It is very exciting to think about Ovechkin’s potential for a couple of great final seasons. However, he has already faced minor injuries in the preseason — so with his aging and the uncertainty on the Capitals’ potential for a long playoff run, I believe that the mindset for fans going into the season should be one of cautious optimism. 

While caution might be needed regarding hope for a great season from Ovechkin, more assuredness comes from Ryan Leonard, the Capitals’ famous rookie coming off of strong performances at Boston College and in the World Juniors Ice Hockey Tournament. Fans have been waiting for him to be ready for a full season of NHL hockey.

Now he’s here, and his impact is massive.

Leonard’s grit and ferocity — which were especially on display at the World Juniors — have made an immediate appearance in the NHL. With his sharp, physical playstyle and tap-in goal against the Boston Bruins during the preseason, Leonard is proving that he is an asset to the Capitals who can easily adapt to the NHL’s pace.

“The goal is exactly what I’ve been talking about,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery in a Post-game interview. “Couple other really good plays, using his feet to create more space for himself and with that create some opportunities for his teammates. He did some good things.”

With such high praise coming from the Capitals’ standout coach, Leonard continues to silence doubters and make his mark in the League.

To add more excitement to the season, the team’s star left winger, Sonny Milano, is expected to return soon after an upper body injury ended his 2024 season only three games in. Milano is more than just a goal scorer—his flashy and technical playstyle is simply fun to watch. On a line with Leonard, Milano’s return will bring both entertainment and strength to the Capitals’ third line.

While Ovechkin’s future may be unknown, Leonard and Milano seem to be just starting up, and they are a threat on the ice. Looking towards a strong season with the two forwards, along with other younger players, Leonard and Milano are ultimately the face of Washington’s mission to create a younger core of players that will define the future of the franchise.

For this season, it will be out with the old, and in with the new — sorry, Ovi.

Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture for the Capitals, the combination of veteran experience and young talent leaves me hopeful. Like I said earlier, however, fans need to keep in mind that the Capitals are still developing new lines of players as some of their older skaters start to look towards retirement. The “younger core” Washington is looking for is still being integrated, so it is hard to tell right now exactly how the season might end.

There is no doubt, however, that the Capitals have the fight in them and confidence to make this a very entertaining and memorable season.