Alex Ovechkin announced Monday that this will be his final season in the NHL.

The Washington Capitals captain released a statement through the team, saying, "I know in my heart it is the right decision."

Ovechkin, 41, is beginning his 22nd NHL season with 929 career goals, already well clear of Wayne Gretzky's previous record of 894. Ovechkin signed a one-year deal to return to Washington this summer after playing all 82 games for the Capitals last season, leading the team with 32 goals and 64 points.

Ovechkin said he made the decision to retire after this season over the summer with his family.

"It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through the good times and tough losses," Ovechkin wrote. "I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special."

Ovechkin signed for a $4.25 million AAV this season, with an additional $4.75 million performance bonus triggered when he appears in his 10th game.

The Capitals also released a video of Ovechkin addressing his retirement plan with his teammates.

Last season, Ovechkin recorded his NHL-record 20th 30-goal season. It also marked the 21st consecutive season in which he led or co-led the Capitals in goals. But his average ice time dipped to a career-low 17:27 as coach Spencer Carbery looked for ways to maximize his captain late in his career.

The Capitals did significant work this offseason to improve their roster while also preparing for a post-Ovechkin era. Wingers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou were among their splashiest summer additions. Washington missed the playoffs last season despite Ovechkin's 32 goals, but enters this season considered among the contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Ovechkin will play his final regular season home game against longtime rival Sidney Crosby, whose career has been intertwined with his since the two entered the league in 2005. Crosby was also be eligible to sign an extension with Pittsburgh this summer and enters the final year of his contract, but sources say the 39-year-old has no plans to retire.

This season, Ovechkin and Crosby join Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Stan Mikita and Steve Yzerman as the only players in NHL history to play 22 seasons with one franchise.