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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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 San Antonio
San Antonio hockey fans may not have a local NHL team to cheer for, but many have adopted the Washington Capitals as their own, thanks in part to the electrifying play of Alex Ovechkin. As Ovechkin returns for his 22nd season, San Antonio's vibrant hockey community is likely to take notice. The Alamo City is home to a growing number of ice rinks and hockey leagues, and the success of players like Ovechkin helps inspire local youth to take up the sport. With Ovechkin's pursuit of more records and another Stanley Cup, San Antonio's hockey enthusiasts will be watching closely, perhaps even making the trip to Washington to catch a Capitals game in person. As the NHL season approaches, local sports bars and hockey shops can expect an uptick in interest, with fans gathering to discuss Ovechkin's latest exploits and the Capitals' chances of making a deep playoff run.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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