NHL legend Pavel Datsyuk puts up massive condition for Alex Ovechkin amid retirement speculations - "Won’t let him into Russia"

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin made hockey history this season. The "Great 8" did the unthinkable, surpassing "The Great One," Wayne Gretzky, to become the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. Goal number 895 came in spectacular fashion, as Ovi ripped a wrist shot past New York Islanders' Ilya Sorokin on the power play from his office, with Gretzky in attendance to celebrate.

It felt as if that was the final goal for Ovechkin to achieve in his illustrious career. With one year remaining on his contract, many have speculated that 2025-26 could be his final NHL season. However, one fellow Russian has a milestone that he wants Alex Ovechkin to hit before hanging up the skates.

Detroit Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk wants him to go for 1,000 career goals. RMNB shared an article on Sunday with comments from Datsyuk posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"I think everyone is waiting for Ovechkin to score his 1,000th goal in the NHL championships," Datsyuk said. "Until then, we won't let him into Russia. A new goal, the thousandth goal— this is good motivation."

Ovechkin is entering the final season of the five-year, $47,500,000 contract extension he signed with the Capitals in 2021. Another extension would be necessary to follow through on Datsyuk's challenge of 1,000 goals.

There have been plenty of conflicting reports in regard to Alex Ovechkin's future

Hockey fans were scrambling when reports surfaced that Washington Capitals season ticket holders had been told that the 2025-26 campaign would be the last for Alex Ovechkin.

However, the Capitals PR team quickly shut that down on X.

"No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin’s future following the 2025-26 NHL season. An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin’s final year," the Capitals wrote.

To make things even more confusing, Ovechkin's wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, had some comments on the matter the following day. Hockey News Hub shared what she said on X.

"Alexander still has a contract for a year. So we will play the next season and then fly back to live in Moscow, to our homeland. We will stay in Russia, yes," Shubskaya said.

It's been quite the back-and-forth, roller coaster ride of emotions for Capitals fans. Ovechkin will ultimately decide when it's time to retire, but the hockey world certainly would love to see him start a new chase for 1,000 goals in the years to come.