Alexander Ovechkin announces retirement after over 20 years in the NHL

NPR | By A Martínez

Published October 6, 2026 at 4:49 AM EDT

Hockey great Alexander Ovechkin has announced his retirement after over 20 years in the NHL. NPR's A Martinez talks to The Athletic's Barry Svrluga about the superstar's legacy and controversies.

A Martínez

A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First.

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