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Reports began circulating that the 2024 season would mark Ovechkin’s farewell. The narrative painted a picture of the superstar participating in jersey swaps and charitable initiatives, bidding adieu to fans and possibly returning to play for Russia. The media was poised to deliver tributes celebrating Ovechkin's incredible career, with many treating the retirement announcement as a forgone conclusion. However, just as the narrative gained momentum, the situation took an unexpected turn.