History of Alexander Ovechkin in Timeline
Alexander Ovechkin, a.k.a. "The Great 8" or "Ovi", is a celebrated Russian professional ice hockey player, currently the captain of the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Primarily a left winger, Ovechkin holds the record for the most career goals in NHL regular season history, making him the only player to surpass 900 regular season goals. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
3 hours ago : Ovechkin nets 30th goal for 20th time, setting NHL record!
Alexander Ovechkin achieved his 30th goal for the 20th time with the Capitals, marking an NHL record. Ovechkin also scored his 927th career goal. This impacts the Eastern Conference Playoff race.
1943: Bill Durnan's First Team All-Star Selection
In 1943, Bill Durnan began his first four seasons (1943 to 1944 through 1946–47) where he was voted a First Team All-Star.
1944: Bill Durnan's First Team All-Star Selection
In 1944, Bill Durnan began his first four seasons (1943 to 1944 through 1946–47) where he was voted a First Team All-Star.
1946: Bill Durnan's First Team All-Star Selection
In 1946, Bill Durnan began his first four seasons (1943 to 1944 through 1946–47) where he was voted a First Team All-Star.
1965: Last Left Winger to Lead in Points
Ovechkin was the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since Bobby Hull led the league with 97 points in 1965–66.
1968: Three points in consecutive games
In 1968, Tim Horton achieved the feat of recording three points in consecutive games at the age of 39 or older, as Ovechkin did later in 2024.
1975: Mother Becomes World Champion
In 1975, Tatyana Ovechkina, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, became a world champion in basketball, showcasing her athletic prowess.
1976: Mother Wins Olympic Gold Medal
In 1976, Tatyana Ovechkina, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball, highlighting her successful athletic career.
1980: Three points in consecutive games
In 1980, Jean Ratelle achieved the feat of recording three points in consecutive games at the age of 39 or older, as Ovechkin did later in 2024.
1980: Mother Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 1980, Tatyana Ovechkina, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, secured her second Olympic gold medal in basketball, adding to her impressive achievements.
September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin Born in Moscow
In September 1985, Alexander Ovechkin was born in Moscow to Soviet athletes Tatyana Ovechkina and Mikhail Ovechkin. His mother, Tatyana, was a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball.
September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin's Birth
On a date in September 1985, Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin was born. He is a Russian professional ice hockey player currently serving as captain for the Washington Capitals of the NHL.
September 1985: Ovechkin's Birth Date
Ovechkin's birth date is noted as September 1985, which became relevant during a draft attempt by the Florida Panthers.
1995: Last Player to score 60 goals in a season
Before Ovechkin's 60 goal season, Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr were the last NHL players to score 60 goals in a season back in 1995-96.
1998: Capitals appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals
In 1998, the Capitals reached the Stanley Cup Finals, marking the second time in franchise history. This occurred before Ovechkin joined the team.
1999: Last Player to score 40 even strength goals in one season
Before Ovechkin's accomplishment, Pavel Bure was the last NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season back in 1999–2000.
2000: Last Player to score 40 even strength goals in one season
Before Ovechkin's accomplishment, Pavel Bure was the last NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season back in 1999–2000.
2000: Rocket Richard Trophy Winner
Before Ovechkin, Pavel Bure was the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
2001: Rocket Richard Trophy Winner
Before Ovechkin, Pavel Bure was the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
2001: Ovechkin Begins Professional Career
In 2001, Ovechkin started his professional hockey career with Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Superleague, marking the beginning of his journey in professional hockey.
2001: Joins Dynamo Moscow
In 2001, at the age of 16, Ovechkin began playing for Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Super League (RSL).
2002: First IIHF Tournament
In 2002, Ovechkin participated in his first IIHF tournament, the World U18 Championship, marking his entry into international competition.
2002: World U-17 Hockey Challenge
In 2002, Ovechkin played at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he scored two hat tricks.
2002: Youngest Player for Russian National Team
In 2002, at age 17, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team and the youngest player to score for the national team. He also played at the IIHF World U18 Championships.
2003: World Junior Championships Gold Medal
In 2003, Ovechkin and the Russian junior national team won a gold medal in the World Junior Championships.
2003: Panthers Attempt to Draft Ovechkin
In 2003, the Florida Panthers attempted to draft Ovechkin in the ninth round of the NHL entry draft, despite his birthday being two days after the cut-off date.
2003: Capitals Return to Playoffs
In 2008, Ovechkin helped lead a rejuvenated Capitals team back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003.
December 2004: Named to Russian National Team for World Cup of Hockey
In December 2004, at the age of 19, Alexander Ovechkin was named to the Russian national team for the World Cup of Hockey, becoming the youngest player in the tournament. He was also named captain of the junior team for the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
2004: RSL Title with Dynamo
Due to the NHL lockout in 2004, Ovechkin remained with Dynamo Moscow and helped them win the RSL title in the playoffs.
2004: Capitals Select Ovechkin in NHL Draft
In 2004, Alexander Ovechkin was selected first overall by the Washington Capitals in the NHL entry draft, setting the stage for his NHL career.
2004: Drafted into the NHL
In 2004, Evgeni Malkin was drafted second behind Alexander Ovechkin in the NHL entry draft.
2004: Senior Tournament Debut
In 2004, Ovechkin made his debut in a senior tournament at the World Championship and also played in the World Cup that year, expanding his international hockey experience.
2004: Selected First Overall
In 2004, Ovechkin was selected first overall in the NHL entry draft by the Washington Capitals, fulfilling long-held projections.
January 2005: 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
In January 2005, Alexander Ovechkin participated in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, his third and final appearance. He tied for the tournament lead with seven goals. His team won the silver medal after losing to Canada in the gold medal game on January 4. Ovechkin was named Best Forward and selected to the All-Star team.
July 2005: Contract with Avangard Omsk
In July 2005, Ovechkin signed a contract with Avangard Omsk, a rival Russian team, but included an out clause to maintain his NHL eligibility.
August 2005: Signs with Capitals
On August 5, 2005, Ovechkin signed with the Washington Capitals, securing a three-year entry-level contract.
October 2005: NHL Debut
On October 5, 2005, Ovechkin made his NHL debut with the Capitals, scoring two goals in a victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2005: Start of NHL Career
Alexander Ovechkin began his NHL career in 2005, and would go on to score on 179 different goalies.
2005: Ovechkin Wins Calder Memorial Trophy
In the 2005–06 NHL season, Alexander Ovechkin won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's rookie of the year, showcasing his early impact in the NHL.
January 2006: First Career Hat Trick
In January 2006, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Later that month, he scored 'The Goal' against the Phoenix Coyotes and was named NHL Rookie and Offensive Player of the Month.
August 2006: Jágr's Admiration
In August 2006, New York Rangers forward Jaromír Jágr expressed admiration for Ovechkin's goal-scoring ability, emphasizing that his goals are not flukes.
October 2006: "Russian machine never breaks"
In October 2006, after being struck by a puck, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."
2006: Capitals missed playoffs
2006-07 was the first time since the 2006-07 season where Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs.
2006: Roommates at the Winter Olympics
In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin were roommates during the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, before their friendship saw tension arise.
2006: Created Ovi's Crazy 8's program
In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin created Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program that donates Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids.
2006: EA Sports Cover Athlete
In 2006, EA Sports made Ovechkin one of the cover athletes for NHL 07.
2006: Hole in One
In 2006, during a preseason charity golf tournament in Springfield, Virginia, Ovechkin made a hole in one on a par 3 hole while playing golf for his first time.
2006: Second NHL Season
In the 2006–07 season, Ovechkin completed his second NHL season with 46 goals, 46 assists, and 92 points.
January 2007: First NHL All-Star Game
In January 2007, Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game, showcasing his talent among the league's top players.
August 2007: Alleged Punching of Gennady Ushakov
In August 2007, Alexander Ovechkin allegedly punched Evgeni Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub, leading to increased tension between the two players. Ovechkin denied the version of events, while Malkin confirmed it.
October 2007: 100th NHL Goal
In October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.
January 2008: Signs 13-Year Contract Extension
On January 10, 2008, Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension with the Capitals worth $124 million, marking the richest contract in NHL history at that time.
January 2008: Ovechkin took a run at Malkin
On January 21, 2008, Alexander Ovechkin took a run at Evgeni Malkin during a game in Pittsburgh, escalating their feud.
June 2008: Launch of Designer Streetwear Line with CCM
On June 11, 2008, Alexander Ovechkin launched his own line of designer streetwear with CCM.
October 2008: Visit to Ailing Grandfather
In October 2008, Ovechkin returned to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his NHL career.
2008: Led NHL in goals and points per game
From 2008 to 2010, Alexander Ovechkin led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons.
2008: Appeared in NHL: Just Like Me and Boys to the Bigs
In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin appeared as himself in the films NHL: Just Like Me and Boys to the Bigs.
2008: Criticism over Exuberant Celebrations
In 2008, Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations.
2008: Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2008, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy.
January 2009: SuperSkills Competition Breakaway Challenge
On January 24, 2009, at the SuperSkills Competition, Evgeni Malkin assisted Alexander Ovechkin in his stunt during the Breakaway Challenge, handing him props, his stick, and a sports drink.
February 2009: 200th Career Goal
In February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to reach the milestone in four seasons.
February 2009: Criticism over Exuberant Celebrations
In February 2009, Ovechkin's after-goal celebrations were criticized by Canadian hockey analyst Don Cherry, who likened them to soccer players' celebrations.
March 2009: "Hot Stick" Incident
In March 2009, Ovechkin sparked controversy after pretending to warm his hands over his stick after scoring a goal.
July 2009: Named Ambassador for 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi
On July 6, 2009, Alexander Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
November 2009: Upper-body injury
In November 2009, Alexander Ovechkin suffered an upper-body injury in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after colliding with Raffi Torres.
2009: Confirmed punching of Malkin's agent
In 2009, Alexander Ovechkin confirmed in an interview with RT that he punched Evgeni Malkin's agent, but stated "but is okay".
2009: Second Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2009, Ovechkin secured his second Hart Memorial Trophy, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.
January 2010: Leading Goal Scorer of the Decade
Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, Ovechkin was the leading goal scorer with 437 goals.
January 2010: Named Washington Capitals captain
On January 5, 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals after Chris Clark was traded, becoming the first European, second-youngest, and 14th overall captain in team history.
2010: 2010 IIHF World Championships
After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Alexander Ovechkin joined Russia for the 2010 IIHF World Championships. Despite being favored to win, Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.
2010: 2010 Playoffs
During the 2010 playoffs, Ovechkin recorded 10 points (5 goals and assists) as the Capitals lost to the Montreal Canadiens in seven games, surrendering a 3-1 series lead.
2010: Appeared in Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena
In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin appeared as an actor in the film Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena.
2010: Winter Olympics Appearance
In 2010, Ovechkin represented Russia at the Winter Olympics, contributing to his international hockey career.
2010: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2010, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
2010: 2010 Winter Olympics Concerns
In 2010, concerns were raised about the effect of the Ovechkin-Malkin feud on the Russian national team at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
2010: Decline in point production
In the 2010-11 NHL season, Ovechkin experienced a decline in his point production.
January 2011: Featured in ESPN's This is SportsCenter Commercial
In January 2011, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials with Semyon Varlamov.
January 2011: Participated in NHL Winter Classic
On January 1, 2011, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals participated in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the Capitals winning 3–1.
August 2011: Move to Bauer Hockey
In August 2011, Ovechkin switched from CCM equipment to Bauer Hockey following a decline in his point production.
December 2011: Played 500th NHL game
On December 3, 2011, Alexander Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game, a 3–2 OT win over the Ottawa Senators, recording an assist on a goal by Troy Brouwer.
2011: 2011 IIHF World Championships
In 2011, Alexander Ovechkin joined the Russian team for the IIHF World Championships after the Capitals were eliminated from the NHL playoffs. He played in five games but did not score any points, marking the first time he failed to score in a World Championship tournament.
2011: Signed Sponsorship Deal with Nike
In 2011, Alexander Ovechkin signed a long-term sponsorship deal with sportswear brand Nike.
January 2012: Suspended and Forgoes All-Star Game
On January 23, 2012, Alexander Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on Zbyněk Michálek of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and on January 24, he announced he would not attend the 2012 NHL All-Star Game due to the suspension.
2012: Played for Dynamo Moscow during Lockout
During the lockout in the first half of the shortened 2012–13 season, Ovechkin played in the KHL and rejoined Dynamo Moscow, with teammate Nicklas Bäckström, scoring 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points in 31 games.
2012: 2012 IIHF World Championships Victory
In 2012, Alexander Ovechkin played in Russia's last three games of the IIHF World Championships, recording two goals and two assists as Russia won the tournament.
January 2013: Returned to North America
In January 2013, after playing in the KHL due to the NHL lockout, Alexander Ovechkin returned to North America with Nicklas Bäckström.
December 2013: Scored 400th career goal
On December 20, 2013, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal into an empty net, becoming the sixth-fastest player to reach that mark in 634 games.
2013: 2013 IIHF World Championships
In 2013, Alexander Ovechkin represented Russia at the IIHF World Championships after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. Russia lost to the U.S. 8–3 in the first playoff round, resulting in their elimination.
2013: Third Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2013, Ovechkin received his third Hart Memorial Trophy, further cementing his legacy as a dominant force in the NHL.
July 2014: Engagement Called Off
On July 21, 2014, Maria Kirilenko announced that her wedding with Ovechkin was called off, and the two were no longer seeing each other.
October 2014: Teammate's and Opponent's Perspective
In October 2014, teammate Brooks Orpik commented on Ovechkin's unstoppable one-timer, and Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos praised Ovechkin's physicality and skill set.
November 2014: Franchise points record
On November 4, 2014, in a game against the Calgary Flames, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, surpassing Peter Bondra for the franchise record.
2014: Won Richard Trophy and had poor plus-minus
At the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, Alexander Ovechkin won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for scoring 51 goals but had a −35 plus-minus, one of the NHL's worst.
2014: 2014 IIHF World Championships Gold Medal
In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin participated in the IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold. After the tournament, Ovechkin asked Vladimir Putin to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the 2014 Olympic champions, a statement which generated some controversy.
2014: Named ambassador for 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi
In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin was an ambassador for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
2014: Winter Olympics Appearance
In 2014, Ovechkin played for Russia at the Winter Olympics, continuing his representation of his country in international competitions.
2014: Capitals miss playoffs
In 2014, the Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since then, mainly due to injuries to other players on the team.
2014: 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi
In the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Alexander Ovechkin represented Russia. The team faced enormous pressure as the tournament was hosted on home ice. Russia lost to Finland 3–1 in the quarter-final round.
2014: Ambassador for American Special Hockey Association
Since 2014, Alexander Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, supporting individuals with disabilities by giving them a chance to play ice hockey.
March 2015: Scored 50th goal of the season
On March 31, 2015, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year, becoming the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons.
July 2015: Goaltender's perspective
In July 2015, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick commented on Ovechkin's powerful shooting skills.
September 2015: Engagement to Nastya Shubskaya
On September 11, 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva, whom he subsequently married.
November 2015: Tied and Broke Fedorov's Goal Record
In November 2015, Alexander Ovechkin tied Sergei Fedorov's record for most goals by a Russian-born player, with 483, and on November 19, he broke the record with his 484th goal.
2015: 2015 IIHF World Championships Silver Medal
In 2015, Alexander Ovechkin joined the Russian team late in the IIHF World Championships, where Russia won the silver medal.
2015: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2015, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
January 2016: Reached 500-Goal Plateau
On January 10, 2016, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a 7–1 victory over the Ottawa Senators, becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau, and the fifth-fastest to do so.
November 2016: Auston Matthews Comments on 'The Goal'
In November 2016, Auston Matthews mentioned that he was in attendance the night Ovechkin scored "The Goal" and that it was the best goal he ever saw live.
2016: Capitals Clinched President's Trophy
Alexander Ovechkin finished the 2016-17 season playing all 82 games with 33 goals, 36 assists and 69 points to help the Capitals clinch their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy and third in franchise history.
2016: Received gift from Putin at his wedding
In 2016, Alexander Ovechkin received a gift from Vladimir Putin at his wedding, highlighting their personal connection.
January 2017: Statement on Relationships with Russians and Americans
In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin stated his neutrality regarding his relationships with Russians and Americans.
January 2017: Scored 1,000th career point
On January 11, 2017, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point with a goal on Marc-André Fleury in a 7–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.
October 2017: Back-to-back hat tricks
In October 2017, Ovechkin became the first player in 100 years to record back-to-back hat tricks to start the season, playing against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.
November 2017: Started PutinTeam Movement
In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election, describing it as a show of support for Russia and his parents and friends.
November 2017: PutinTeam Announced on Instagram
In November 2017, the PutinTeam movement was first announced in a post on Alexander Ovechkin's Instagram account, and the group's official website was launched later that month.
2017: Named One of 100 Greatest NHL Players
In 2017, Ovechkin was honored as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time, recognizing his significant impact on the sport.
2017: Switched back to CCM
In 2017-18 NHL season, Ovechkin switched back to CCM equipment.
January 2018: Ovechkin's Playmaking Ability
In January 2018, after Ovechkin recorded his 500th assist, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz highlighted Ovechkin's underrated playmaking abilities, in addition to his prolific goal-scoring.
January 2018: 500th career assist
On January 25, 2018, Ovechkin achieved his 500th career assist on a goal scored by Nicklas Bäckström during a 4–2 victory against the Florida Panthers.
June 2018: Stanley Cup victory celebrations
Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Alexander Ovechkin participated in celebrations. On June 9, 2018, Ovechkin and teammates swam in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup.
August 2018: Birth of Son Sergei
In August 2018, Ovechkin and his wife had a son named Sergei, after Ovechkin's late brother.
October 2018: Ovechkin's Pass to Oshie
In October 2018, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie for a goal, foregoing an easy hat-trick for himself.
November 2018: Ovechkin Applauds Carey Price
In November 2018, Ovechkin applauded Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price for his excellent save.
December 2018: Fastest to 5,000 shots and hat trick record
In December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history to reach 5,000 shots on goal. Later that month, on December 11th, Ovechkin scored his 21st hat trick in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, surpassing Pavel Bure for most hat tricks by a Russian-born player in league history.
2018: Promotion of the Russian Presidential elections
In 2018, IMA-Consulting reportedly held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections, leading to questions about the movement.
2018: Capitals' Stanley Cup Finals
In 2018, Ovechkin and the Capitals won a playoff series, marking their first playoff series win since the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals.
2018: Supported Vladimir Putin
In 2018, Ovechkin expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin through the "PutinTeam" movement.
April 2019: Gretzky cheering for Ovechkin
In April 2019, Wayne Gretzky stated he was cheering for Ovechkin to break his record and wanted to be the first to congratulate him.
November 2019: 24th career hat trick
On November 30, 2019, Ovechkin recorded his 24th career hat trick in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, surpassing Jari Kurri for 10th most hat tricks in NHL history.
December 2019: Leading Goal Scorer of the Decade
Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, Ovechkin was the leading goal scorer with 437 goals.
2019: Inspiration for Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series
In 2019, Alexander Ovechkin served as inspiration for the character of Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, notably in Heated Rivalry.
2019: Shares Goals Record
In 2019, Cole Caufield matched Ovechkin's record for goals in a single IIHF World U18 Championships tournament.
May 2020: Birth of Son Ilya
In May 2020, Ovechkin and his wife had a second son named Ilya.
September 2020: Malkin's Speech at Ovechkin's Birthday
In September 2020, Evgeni Malkin gave a speech at Alexander Ovechkin's 35th birthday party, signifying their reconciliation and close friendship.
2020: COVID-19 shortened season
In 2020, the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in Ovechkin's NHL career where he did not score at least 30 goals, finishing with 24 goals.
May 2021: Reported Investor in Washington Spirit
In May 2021, Alexander Ovechkin was reportedly an investor in the Washington Spirit, a professional team in the National Women's Soccer League.
June 2021: Pursuing a Candidate of Sciences Degree
By June 2021, Ovechkin was studying for and close to obtaining a Candidate of Sciences degree, the Russian equivalent of a PhD, in Pedagogical Sciences.
July 2021: Contract extension with the Capitals
On July 27, 2021, Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals.
February 2022: Future of Washington Spirit stake unclear after club sale
Sportico reported in February 2022 that Alexander Ovechkin might not have formally completed the process to acquire the stake in the Washington Spirit, and that even if he had, it was unclear whether he retained his stake after the club was sold.
March 2022: Third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL
On March 15, 2022, Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal, moving him into third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL, passing Jaromír Jágr.
May 2022: Response to question about Putin
In May 2022, Alexander Ovechkin responded to a question about Putin by saying, "He is my president, right? I am Russian. What else can I say?"
June 2022: Signed one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow
In June 2022, Alexander Ovechkin signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow in a friendly against FC Amkal Moscow, wearing jersey number 3 in honor of his father and scoring a goal.
November 2022: Most goals with one team
On November 5, 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals against the Arizona Coyotes, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team.
2022: Inspiration for Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series sequel
In 2022, Alexander Ovechkin served as inspiration for the character of Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series sequel The Long Game.
January 2023: Most 30-goal seasons
On January 14, 2023, Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for having the most 30-goal seasons upon recording a 30-goal season for the 17th time, in a 3–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
December 2023: 1,500th career point
On December 7, 2023, Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point with an assist on a goal scored by Dylan Strome, becoming the 16th player in NHL history to reach the mark.
2023: Began using custom-manufactured stick
In 2023, Ovechkin began using a custom-manufactured-and-branded stick, featuring his own "8" logo.
February 2024: Most empty-net goals all-time
On February 10, 2024, Ovechkin scored his 57th career empty-net goal, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.
October 2024: 700th Career Assist
On October 15, 2024, Ovechkin recorded his 700th career assist on a goal by Aliaksei Protas, becoming the 60th player in NHL history to reach the mark.
2024: 5,700 individuals benefited from Ovi's Crazy 8's
As of 2024, more than 5,700 individuals have had the chance to see a Capitals home game free of charge through Alexander Ovechkin's Ovi's Crazy 8's program.
January 2025: Ovechkin's Milestone Goals
In January 2025, Alexander Ovechkin achieved several milestones, including recording his 20th consecutive 20-goal season, surpassing Jaromir Jagr for most goalies scored on in NHL history with 179, and recording his 32nd career hat trick.
February 2025: Coach Highlights Ovechkin's Passing Abilities
In February 2025, after a game where Ovechkin recorded three assists, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery emphasized Ovechkin's passing abilities, describing his skill as a 'shot-pass'.
March 2025: Partnered with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation
In March 2025, Alexander Ovechkin announced a partnership with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer for every goal he scores as he closed in on breaking the all time goal-scoring record.
April 2025: Teammate Describes Ovechkin as a 'Machine'
In April 2025, Capitals teammate Tom Wilson described Ovechkin as a "machine" for his energy, scoring, and leadership.
April 2025: Ovechkin surpasses Gretzky's career goal record
In April 2025, Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky in total career goals (894).
August 2025: Official Ambassador of Intervision 2025
On August 23, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin was announced as one of the official ambassadors of Intervision 2025.
November 2025: Ovechkin's 900th Career Goal and Regular Season Record
In November 2025, Ovechkin scored his 900th career goal, becoming the first player in NHL history to reach that milestone. Later in the month, he scored his 442nd goal in Capital One Arena, surpassing Gordie Howe for the most regular season goals scored in one building.
2025: Ovechkin's strong season and leadership award
In 2025, Ovechkin finished with 44 goals and 73 points, leading the Capitals to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, Ovechkin scored his first career playoff overtime goal and led the Capitals to their first series win since 2018. He was also awarded the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his leadership on and off the ice.
2025: Heated Rivalry novels adapted into television series
In 2025, the novels Heated Rivalry were adapted into the television series Heated Rivalry, in which Rozanov was portrayed by Connor Storrie.
March 22, 2026: 1,000 Career Goals
On March 22, 2026, Ovechkin became the second player after Gretzky to score 1,000 career goals combined between the regular season and Stanley Cup playoffs.
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