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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 Tomball News
While Alex Ovechkin's decision to return to the Washington Capitals for a 22nd season may seem like a distant development to Tomball residents, the impact of his career can be felt in local hockey communities. As one of the most prolific goal-scorers in NHL history, Ovechkin's dedication to the sport can inspire young hockey players in the Tomball area to strive for greatness. The presence of professional hockey teams in the Houston area, such as the Houston Aeros, has helped grow the sport's popularity in the region, and Ovechkin's achievements can motivate local players to work towards their own goals. Additionally, the Capitals' success during Ovechkin's tenure, including their 2018 Stanley Cup win, may have drawn in new fans from Tomball and surrounding areas, further expanding the sport's reach in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News 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
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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 Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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