Alex Semin gives honest response on future of former teammate Alex Ovechkin

One of the biggest questions heading into the upcoming offseason, not only for the Capitals but for the entire league, is what will happen with Alex Ovechkin.

At the end of the 2024-25 season, against the New York Islanders, Ovechkin broke the record for most goals scored with 895, passing Wayne Gretzky who had 894. As of right now, Ovechkin is sitting at 929 career goals. While he may no longer be chasing records, he would almost surely like one last chance at winning another Stanley Cup.

As the Washington Capitals wait for an answer on the future of their franchise superstar, one of his former teammates, Alex Semin, had a blunt response as he was discussing what the captain could be thinking.

Thanks to a translation from Sammi Silber at The Hockey News, Semin's words when speaking with TASS were reported.

"It's a tough question; it all depends on him, whether he wants to play for another year, because staying in such good shape at 40 is pretty tough," Semin said. He continued, "It gets harder to keep up, and the younger players are catching up and overtaking him. I can't speak for him, it's entirely up to him."

Semin, who played seven seasons with the Capitals, finished his career with 239 goals and 278 assists for 517 points through 650 games, also spending time between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes.

Ovechkin made it clear that he won't make a decision right away on what his plans are for the 2026-27 season.

The Capitals are rumored to have two plans this offseason, one that includes Ovechkin returning the team next season, and one that includes him deciding to retire. Either way, the Capitals are hoping they can find a way back to the playoffs next season, after missing out this season.

As the offseason moves along, be sure to continue following along at Stars and Sticks as your source for news, updates, rumours, and more around the Washington Capitals.