Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alexander Ovechkin

Discover the career path of Alexander Ovechkin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alexander Ovechkin, nicknamed "the Great 8" and "Ovi," is a highly accomplished Russian professional ice hockey player. He currently plays left wing and serves as captain for the Washington Capitals in the NHL. 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 considered one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of hockey.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1998: Capitals Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 1998, the Washington Capitals reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history, prior to Ovechkin joining the team.

2001: Ovechkin Begins Professional Career

In 2001, Ovechkin began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague, playing there for four seasons.

2001: Begins Playing in the Russian Super League

In 2001, at the age of 16, Ovechkin began playing in the Russian Super League (RSL) for Dynamo Moscow.

2002: First IIHF Tournament

In 2002, Ovechkin participated in his first IIHF tournament, the World U18 Championship, representing Russia.

2002: World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2002, at the age of 16, Ovechkin played in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring two hat tricks, one against Switzerland and one against the United States, and also providing an assist.

2002: Youngest Player on Russian National Team

In 2002, at the age of 17, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team and the youngest player ever to score for the national team during the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament. He also played at the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships, leading Russia to a silver medal.

2003: Capitals Return to Playoffs

In 2003, Ovechkin helped lead a rejuvenated Capitals team back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003.

2003: World Junior Championship Gold Medal

In 2003, the Russian team, with Ovechkin, won a gold medal in the World Junior Championships.

December 2004: Named to Russian National Team

In December 2004, at the age of 19, Alexander Ovechkin was named to the Russian national team for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, making him the youngest player to play in the tournament. He was also named captain of the junior team in the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which began in December 2004.

2004: RSL Title with Dynamo

Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season. In the playoffs, he helped Dynamo win the RSL title.

2004: 2004 NHL entry draft

In 2004, Evgeni Malkin was drafted second behind Alexander Ovechkin in the NHL entry draft, which began a feud between the two players.

2004: Ovechkin Drafted by Capitals

In 2004, Ovechkin was selected by the Washington Capitals first overall in the NHL entry draft.

2004: Selected First Overall in NHL Entry Draft

In 2004, Ovechkin was selected first overall in the NHL entry draft by the Washington Capitals.

2004: World Championship Debut

In 2004, Ovechkin's first senior tournament was the World Championship, and he also played in the World Cup that year, representing Russia.

January 2005: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In January 2005, Alexander Ovechkin participated in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which ran from December 25, 2004, to January 4, 2005. Ovechkin tied for the tournament lead with seven goals. His team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on January 4, and Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament and selected to the tournament All-Star team.

July 2005: Opt-Out Clause Deadline

In July 2005, Ovechkin's contract with Avangard Omsk contained an out clause with a 20 July 2005 deadline to maintain his eligibility for the NHL.

August 2005: Signs with Washington Capitals

On August 5, 2005, Ovechkin signed with the Washington Capitals. The deal was a three-year, entry-level contract.

October 2005: NHL Debut with Capitals

On October 5, 2005, Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals, scoring two goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2005: Start of NHL Career

In 2005, Alexander Ovechkin started his NHL career.

2005: Ovechkin Wins Calder Memorial Trophy

In the 2005–06 season, Ovechkin captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year and finished third overall in league scoring.

January 2006: First Career Hat Trick and "The Goal"

In January 2006, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Later in January, he scored "The Goal" against the Phoenix Coyotes.

2006: Ovi's Crazy 8's Program

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin created Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program through which he purchases and donates eight Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids, providing opportunities for fans to attend Capitals home games.

2006: First Winter Olympic Games

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin played in his first Winter Olympic Games. Although Russia did not win a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals, including the game-winner against Canada's Martin Brodeur, eliminating Canada from the tournament. Ovechkin was the only non-Swedish or Finnish player named to the all-tournament team.

2006: IIHF World Championships

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin played in the IIHF World Championships, scoring six goals and three assists (nine points) in seven games. Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals, but Ovechkin was selected to the Media All-Star team.

2006: Second NHL Season

In the 2006–07 season, Ovechkin completed his second NHL season with 46 goals, 46 assists and 92 points in all 82 games.

January 2007: First NHL All-Star Game Appearance

On January 24, 2007, Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game.

October 2007: Scores 100th NHL Goal

On October 12, 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist.

January 2008: Signs 13-Year Contract Extension

On January 10, 2008, Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals.

2008: IIHF World Championship Gold Medal

In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin helped lead Russia to the gold medal at the IIHF World Championships. He finished with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games and was selected to the Media All-Star team for the second time.

February 2009: Scores 200th NHL Goal

On February 5, 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.

January 2010: Start of Decade Goal Scoring

Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019, Ovechkin was the leading goal scorer in the NHL.

January 2010: Named Capitals Captain, Reaches 500 Points

In January 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals, becoming the first European to have that honour. On February 5, 2010, Ovechkin also achieved the 500-point milestone in his NHL career.

2010: IIHF World Championships Finals Loss

After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Alexander Ovechkin joined Russia for the 2010 IIHF World Championships along with many other Russian stars. Despite being heavily favored, Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.

2010: Winter Olympics

In 2010, Ovechkin played for Russia at the Winter Olympics.

January 2011: Participates in NHL Winter Classic

On January 1, 2011, Alexander Ovechkin participated in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which the Capitals won 3-1. Ovechkin did not score any points in the game.

December 2011: Plays 500th NHL Game

On December 3, 2011, Ovechkin played his 500th NHL game in an OT win against the Ottawa Senators, recording an assist.

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.

January 2012: Suspension and All-Star Game Absence

On January 23, 2012, Alexander Ovechkin received a three-game suspension, leading him to announce he would not attend the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.

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: Returns to North America

In January 2013, Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Bäckström returned to North America after playing for Dynamo Moscow during the NHL lockout.

December 2013: Scores 400th Career Goal

On December 20, 2013, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the sixth-fastest player to reach that milestone.

2013: IIHF World Championships Loss

In 2013, Alexander Ovechkin represented Russia in IIHF World Championships. He joined the national team after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. Russia advanced to the first playoff round but was defeated by the U.S. 8–3, eliminating them from the tournament.

November 2014: Franchise Point Record

In November 2014, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 826th point in a game, surpassing Peter Bondra to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

2014: IIHF World Championships Gold Medal

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin participated in the IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold. After the tournament, he asked Vladimir Putin to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the 2014 Olympic champions. This request was criticized.

2014: Winter Olympics

In 2014, Ovechkin played for Russia at the Winter Olympics.

2014: Capitals Miss Playoffs

In 2014, the Washington Capitals missed the playoffs, for the first time since Ovechkin joined the team.

2014: Winter Olympics Quarter-Final Loss

In the 2014 Winter Olympics, Alexander Ovechkin represented Russia under pressure as the tournament was hosted in Sochi. Russia lost to Finland 3–1 in the quarter-final round.

2014: American Special Hockey Association Ambassador

Since 2014, Alexander Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, supporting individuals with disabilities by giving them a chance to learn and grow by playing ice hockey.

January 2015: NHL All-Star Game

In January 2015, at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, Alexander Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car, and brought an element of silliness to the "draft" where he was chosen third to last. At the end of the event, he was handed the keys to a new Honda Accord, which he auctioned off to benefit the American Special Hockey Association.

March 2015: Sixth 50-Goal Season

On March 31, 2015, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season, becoming the sixth player in NHL history to achieve six 50-goal seasons.

November 2015: Breaks Russian Goal Record

In November 2015, Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Sergei Fedorov to become the highest-scoring Russian-born player in the NHL.

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.

January 2016: Scores 500th NHL Goal

On January 10, 2016, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a game against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the 43rd player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal plateau.

January 2017: Scores 1,000th Career Point

On January 11, 2017, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with one team.

October 2017: Back-to-back hat tricks

In October 2017, Alexander Ovechkin became the first player in 100 years to start the season with back-to-back hat tricks against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.

January 2018: 500th Career Assist

On January 25, 2018, Ovechkin recorded his 500th assist on a Nicklas Bäckström goal in a 4–2 win over the Florida Panthers, after which Capitals head coach Barry Trotz highlighted his playmaking abilities.

June 2018: Stanley Cup Celebrations

Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Alexander Ovechkin participated in celebrations, including an incident on June 9, 2018, where he and teammates swam in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup. The summer of 2018 was dubbed "The Summer of Ovi."

December 2018: Fastest to 5,000 shots and 21st hat trick

In December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history to take 5,000 shots on goal. Also in December 2018, he scored the 21st hat trick of his NHL career in a 6–2 win over Detroit Red Wings.

2018: Stanley Cup Finals Victory

In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals won a playoff series of any kind since the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals.

2018: Capitals Win Stanley Cup; Ovechkin Wins Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2018, the Capitals won the Stanley Cup for the first time, and Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the 2018 playoffs.

January 2019: All-Star Game Captain

On January 2, 2019, Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming 2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game, but announced that he was choosing to skip the game to rest.

November 2019: 24th Career Hat Trick

On November 30, 2019, Ovechkin recorded his 24th career hat trick in a 5–2 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

December 2019: End of Decade Goal Scoring

Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019, Ovechkin was the leading goal scorer in the NHL.

January 2020: NHL All-Decade Team

On January 24, 2020, Ovechkin was named to the NHL all-decade team for the 2010s. He was also named captain for the 2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game, choosing to skip it.

2020: First season with less than 30 goals

The 2020-21 season marked the first time in Ovechkin's NHL career where he did not score at least 30 goals, finishing with 24 goals due to the shortened season from the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2021: Contract extension with Capitals

On July 27, 2021, Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals.

March 2022: Moves into third 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.

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.

January 2023: Ties for most 30-goal seasons

On January 14, 2023, Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for having the most 30-goal seasons, recording his 17th 30-goal season.

December 2023: 1,500th 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.

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: Ovi's Crazy 8's Impact

As of 2024, Alexander Ovechkin's Ovi's Crazy 8's program has given more than 5,700 individuals the chance to see a Capitals game free of charge.

January 2025: Scoring achievements in January 2025

In January 2025, Alexander Ovechkin reached several milestones. On January 11, 2025, he scored an empty-net goal against the Nashville Predators, marking his 20th consecutive 20-goal season, joining Gordie Howe. On January 16, 2025, he scored the only goal against the Ottawa Senators, surpassing Jaromir Jagr for most goalies scored on in NHL history with 179 since 2005.

March 2025: Hockey Fights Cancer Partnership

In March 2025, Alexander Ovechkin announced that he would be partnering with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer for every goal he scores.

April 2025: Overtaking Wayne Gretzky in Career Goals

In April 2025, Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky in total career goals (894). Gretzky was present to congratulate Ovechkin when he set the new record on April 6, 2025.

November 2025: 900th Career Goal and Arena Record

In November 2025, Ovechkin achieved significant milestones. On November 5, 2025, he scored his 900th career goal in a game against the St. Louis Blues, making him the first player in NHL history to reach that milestone. On November 17, 2025, Ovechkin scored his 442nd goal in Capital One Arena during a game against the Los Angeles Kings, surpassing Gordie Howe for the most regular-season goals scored in one building.

2025: 2025 Season achievements

In 2025, Ovechkin concluded the season with 44 goals and 29 assists, totaling 73 points across 65 games. The Capitals secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and were the runner-up for the Presidents' Trophy. Ovechkin's 44 goals ranked third in the league. He was also nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. On April 21, 2025, Ovechkin scored two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in the first playoff game against the Montreal Canadiens, leading the Capitals to a 3–2 overtime victory. Ovechkin and the Capitals eventually defeated the Canadiens in five games, marking their first playoff series win since 2018. For his leadership, Ovechkin was awarded the Mark Messier Leadership Award.