local
Alex Ovechkin declares 'I'm back!' and re-signs with Capitals to return for a 22nd NHL season
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 4 min read
Alex Ovechkin is not ready to skate away from the NHL, not yet, and now he gets a chance to make his career goal-scoring record even more difficult to break.Ovechkin signed an incentive-laden deal Thursday to return for a 22nd season while also giving the Washington Capitals a chance to build a S...
Key takeaway 17, inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
For Houston-area hockey fans, Alex Ovechkin's decision to return to the NHL for a 22nd season is a welcome development, particularly given the Washington Capitals' strong following in the region. As the team looks to build a Stanley Cup contender around their longtime captain, locals can expect to see a renewed emphasis on promoting Capitals games and watch parties in the area. With Ovechkin's pursuit of further records and accolades, his games will likely be highly anticipated events, potentially drawing larger crowds to local sports bars and viewing parties. The Capitals' history of success, including their 2018 Stanley Cup win, has helped to foster a loyal fan base in Houston, and Ovechkin's continued play will likely keep that enthusiasm high. As the new season approaches, fans in Piney Point Village and surrounding areas can look forward to plenty of opportunities to catch Ovechkin and the Capitals in action.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Piney Point stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Alex Ovechkin is not ready to skate away from the NHL, not yet, and now he gets a chance to make his career goal-scoring record even more difficult to break.Ovechkin signed an incentive-laden deal Thursday to return for a 22nd season while also giving the Washington Capitals a chance to build a S...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter