Russian · Moscow, Russia · Born 17 September 1985Russian ice hockey left winger widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history, captain of the Washington Capitals since 2010.
Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin was born in Moscow, Russia in 1985. Washington Capitals selected him first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. His career has produced 895 goals — surpassing Gordie Howe's 801 NHL goals in December 2023 to become the second-highest goal scorer in NHL history. He is closing on Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 NHL goals and at his current pace will likely break it before the end of the 2026 season. He has won nine Rocket Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer in a season — the most in history. He won the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018 and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He won three Hart Trophies as MVP (2008, 2009, 2013). He won two Art Ross Trophies as scoring champion (2008, 2013). He won Olympic gold with Russia in 2018. He has been selected to 13 All-Star games. He has scored 50 or more goals in a season nine times. His one-timer from the left circle is considered the most distinctive and effective individual shot in the modern NHL. He is named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. He plays his entire career with a single franchise. Ovechkin continued rewriting the record books deep into his forties. In November 2025 he became the first player in NHL history to score 900 regular-season goals, and on 22 March 2026 he scored his 1,000th career goal combining regular season and playoffs, joining Wayne Gretzky as the only men to reach the mark. Days later a 34th career hat-trick broke Brett Hull's record for hat-tricks against the most different teams, and his 30th goal of the season extended his own record to twenty 30-goal campaigns, making him just the fourth player to score 30 at age 40 or older. On 2 July 2026 he re-signed with Washington on a one-year, $4.3 million deal for a 22nd NHL season.
He broke Wayne Gretzky's seemingly untouchable NHL goal-scoring records and became the league's all-time leading goal scorer.
How They Played
Ovechkin is renowned for his powerful shot and positioning in the left face-off circle on the power play, where he has scored hundreds of goals. He combines exceptional size and strength with surprising speed and agility, making him difficult to defend against. His signature one-timer from his favorite spot has become one of the most feared weapons in hockey.
Lasting Impact
Ovechkin revolutionized goal scoring in the modern NHL and inspired a generation of Russian players to pursue NHL careers.
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup (2018)
- Conn Smythe Trophy (2018)
- Hart Trophy 3x
- Art Ross Trophy 2x
- Rocket Richard Trophy 9x
- Hall of Fame eligible
- NHL 100 Greatest Players
- First player in NHL history to score 900 regular-season goals (2025)
- Second player ever to reach 1,000 career goals including playoffs (2026)
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | 2005–present | 1573 | 929 |
| Dynamo Moscow | 2003–2005 | 106 | 36 |
 Russia | — | 116 | 32 |
Russian Athletes