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Alex Ovechkin declares 'I'm back!' and re-signs with Capitals to return for a 22nd NHL season
By STEPHEN WHYNO, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 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 ...
Key takeaway Ovechkin signed an incentive-laden deal Thursday to return for a 22nd season while also giving the Washington Capitals a chance to build a Stanley Cup [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents who follow hockey, the news of Alex Ovechkin's return to the Washington Capitals for a 22nd season may spark interest in local ice rinks and hockey programs. While Odessa does not have a professional hockey team, the city's youth hockey leagues and figure skating clubs may see a surge in participation as young athletes draw inspiration from Ovechkin's dedication to the sport. The Permian Basin area has a growing interest in ice sports, and Ovechkin's legacy could motivate local kids to lace up their skates and hit the ice. As the new hockey season approaches, local rinks and sports facilities may consider hosting watch parties or special events featuring the Capitals, giving fans in Odessa a chance to cheer on Ovechkin and his team. This could be an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the sport.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa 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 Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 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 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by STEPHEN WHYNO, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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