“It gets harder because you’re 40 but”: Alex Ovechkin shows no signs of slowing, earns teammates' praise as Capitals gear up for 2025-26 Season

The Washington Capitals are set to open their 2025-26 NHL season against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena. At 40, captain Alex Ovechkin shows no signs of slowing, fully ready to lead his team. Known for his record-breaking career and infectious passion, Ovechkin continues to inspire teammates while gearing up for another season of elite-level hockey.Even at 40, Alex Ovechkin shows why he remains one of the NHL’s most dominant players. As the Capitals prepare for their 2025-26 season opener, Ovechkin’s focus, intensity, and love for the game make it clear that age hasn’t slowed him down.“Obviously it gets harder and harder because you're 40 years old and your body might not feel as good,” Ovechkin said. “But thank God I'm feeling pretty good and I'm ready for the year. I'm excited, I still love the game, and the most important thing, I still have fun.” Despite the natural challenges of aging, Ovechkin’s preparation and dedication keep him performing at an elite level, showing no signs of slowing down.Alex Ovechkin’s leadership and infectious energy continue to define the Capitals’ locker room. Even after more than two decades in the NHL, his presence motivates teammates, setting the tone for the team’s work ethic, attitude, and competitiveness. Forward Connor McMichael praised him, saying, “Right when he walks into the rink every day, he's smiling, he's cracking jokes, he's laughing. He just loves being around the game, and obviously he still plays at a real high-end level. We'll welcome him with open arms for as long as he wants.”Veteran Tom Wilson added, “He’s superhuman in a way and just keeps defying odds. "He's truly just achieved greatness all the time. There's other superstars, you watch documentaries and they get tired of it and they need a break mentally from it, [but] not him.”Washington center Pierre-Luc Dubois also highlighted Ovechkin’s impact: "Obviously he's the greatest goal-scorer of all-time, but he's also one of the best players of all-time. People will argue where he ranks, but even if it stopped today he would be among the best players of all-time. I'm not chasing any records; I'm not even close to chasing any. So for him to chase, it seems like, a new record every day is pretty special.”Even with personal milestones like reaching 900 goals and 1,500 games within reach, Ovechkin stays focused on team success and the pursuit of another Stanley Cup. Younger players like Aliaksei Protas, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ryan Leonard benefit from his guidance, learning both skills and professionalism that keep him at the top of the NHL after more than two decades.As the Capitals gear up for the 2025-26 season, Alex Ovechkin at 40 proves that age is just a number. His unmatched skill, leadership, and love for the game continue to inspire teammates and fans, solidifying his legacy as one of the NHL’s all-time greatest players.Also Read: Inside the love story of Alex Ovechkin and Anastasia Shubskaya: How romance fueled a hockey icon