Alex Ovechkin weighs retirement as his kids urge him to keep playing

Alex Ovechkin said he is undecided about returning for a 22nd NHL season and that his children want him to keep playing; he plans to discuss the choice with family and Capitals management.

Alex Ovechkin is undecided about retiring or returning for a 22nd NHL season. At an end-of-season media session on April 16 he said his children are asking whether he will stay and that they want him to keep playing. He said he hopes the season-ending win in Columbus will not be his last game but that he needs to talk with family and with Capitals general manager Chris Patrick before making a choice. Ovechkin also said playoff prospects and whether the team can contend for the Stanley Cup would factor into his decision. Key facts: - Ovechkin is 40 years old, played all 82 games this season and scored 32 goals, bringing his career total to an NHL-record 929 goals. - He said his children have asked whether he will stay and that they want him to continue because they love the city and the team. - The Capitals missed the playoffs by four points, the fifth time Ovechkin has not been in the postseason. - He named younger players such as Ryan Leonard and late-season signee Cole Hutson among those he is excited about. - When asked if he would sign with another NHL team as a free agent, he said he would "probably not." Summary: Ovechkin's decision will determine whether he returns for another season and could influence the Capitals' roster and leadership plans. He has said he will talk with family and meet with general manager Chris Patrick but did not provide a timeline for a decision. Undetermined at this time.