Capitals star Alex Ovechkin ‘pretty sure’ he will play again

Alex Ovechkin told reporters Thursday morning that he's "pretty sure" he will return for a 22nd NHL season.

The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer addressed his playing future as his Washington Capitals teammates cleaned out their lockers. The team failed to qualify for the postseason.

Ovechkin, who will turn 41 before the start of next season, concluded playing on the final season of a five-year, $47.5 million contract following Washington's 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.