Ovechkin Begins Farewell Tour in Raleigh, Where He Was Drafted
Alex Ovechkin played his final regular-season game in Carolina on Tuesday as his farewell tour began. He was drafted first overall in Raleigh in 2004 and has 111 points in 97 career games against the Hurricanes. Ovechkin said the city holds special memories and discussed the postgame handshake lines he expects this season.
Ovechkin’s Raleigh stop is the first road game since he told teammates on Oct. 5, 2026, that 2026-27 would be his last NHL season. Washington selected him No. 1 on June 26, 2004, when the arena had a different name. He recalled not knowing who would be picked first but enjoying time with family.
Against Carolina, he has 111 points—53 goals and 58 assists—in 97 games, his highest total versus any franchise. His first road goal came Oct. 12, 2005, in a 7-2 loss, and he believes Andrew Cassels assisted it. Washington entered after a Sunday loss to Seattle; Carolina had won five straight, and Ovechkin remained at 930 goals.
Ovechkin’s final-season tour may draw added attention to Capitals road games, especially in cities tied to his career. Fans in Raleigh and other NHL markets could seek tickets or memorabilia, while local businesses around arenas may see modest game-night spending. Teammates, opponents, and longtime viewers may experience nostalgic or emotional moments through handshake lines and tributes. The broader impact likely remains cultural and commercial, centered on how sports fans mark a star’s retirement.