Is 25/26 Ovechkin’s Final Season? | Lapierre Fights for 3C Spot | Capitals Update

Is 2025/2026 season going to be the last for Capitals star Alex Ovechkin? The Washington Capitals head into the 2024–25 season with a crowded center depth chart and a major question at third-line center. Hendrix Lapierre is looking to rebound after a disappointing stint in the NHL last year, while Pierre-Luc Dubois is coming off a resurgent season that solidified him as Washington’s No. 1 center. With Dylan Strome likely holding down the second line and Nic Dowd entrenched on the fourth, Lapierre will need to outshine Connor McMichael and Alexei Protas to seize a full-time role. Meanwhile, the blue line looks revamped with the additions of Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and the Capitals' forward group has added speed and grit through Brandon Duhaime and Anthony Beauvillier. Amid all this roster movement, speculation continues to swirl around Alex Ovechkin’s future. Rumors suggest the 2024–25 campaign could be his final NHL season, as he nears the end of his contract and the long chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goal record winds down. While the team remains committed to competing now, there’s a clear shift toward youth and long-term planning, with top prospect Ryan Leonard expected to make his full-time NHL debut. All eyes will be on training camp as the Caps balance legacy, transition, and the fierce battle for ice time down the middle. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.