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, a Russian professional ice hockey left winger, captains the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Known as "The Great 8" and "Ovi," he is renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, ranking second only to Wayne Gretzky in all-time NHL goals. Ovechkin holds numerous NHL records, including most power play goals, away game goals, overtime goals, goalies scored upon, and goals with one team. He's one of three players to reach 800 career goals, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in hockey.

Sections (5)

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

1965: Left-Winger Leading in Points

In 2008, Ovechkin capturing the Art Ross Trophy marked the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since Bobby Hull in 1965–66.

1995: Last 60-Goal Season

In March 2008, Ovechkin became the first NHL player to score 60 goals in a season since Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr did so in 1995–96.

1998: Capitals previously in Stanley Cup Finals

The Capitals previously reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998 before Ovechkin joined the team.

1999: Last 40 Even-Strength Goals

In 2008, Ovechkin became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since Pavel Bure in 1999–2000.

2000: Last 40 Even-Strength Goals

In 2008, Ovechkin became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since Pavel Bure in 1999–2000.

2001: Started Playing for Dynamo Moscow

At the age of 16, Alexander Ovechkin began playing in the Russian Super League (RSL) for Dynamo Moscow.

2001: Professional Debut with Dynamo Moscow

In 2001, Alexander Ovechkin began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague.

2002: Youngest Player on Russian National Team

At age 17, Alexander Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team in the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament in 2002. He also became the youngest player to score for the national team in that tournament.

2002: First IIHF Tournament

In 2002, Alexander Ovechkin's first IIHF tournament was the World U18 Championship.

2002: Ovechkin Plays at World U-17 Hockey Challenge

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

2003: World Junior Championships Gold Medal

In 2003, Alexander Ovechkin and the Russian junior national team won a gold medal in the World Junior Championships.

2003: Capitals Return to Playoffs

In 2008, Ovechkin helped lead the Washington Capitals back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003.

December 2004: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In December 2004, Alexander Ovechkin captained the junior team in the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which started on December 25, 2004.

2004: Remained with Dynamo Moscow Due to Lockout

Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Alexander Ovechkin remained with Dynamo Moscow for one more season.

2004: Drafted into the NHL

In 2004, Alexander Ovechkin was drafted first overall into the NHL, with Evgeni Malkin being drafted second, marking the beginning of their professional rivalry.

2004: Drafted by Washington Capitals

In 2004, Alexander Ovechkin was selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals.

2004: World Championship Debut

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

2004: Youngest Player in World Cup of Hockey

In 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 participate in the tournament.

2004: Drafted First Overall by Capitals

In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Alexander Ovechkin was selected first overall by the Washington Capitals.

July 2005: Contract Out Clause Deadline

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

August 2005: Signed with Washington Capitals

On August 5, 2005, Alexander Ovechkin opted out of his contract with Avangard Omsk and signed with the Washington Capitals.

October 2005: First NHL Game

On October 5, 2005, Alexander Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals in the 2005–06 season opener, scoring two goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2005: Won RSL Title

In 2005, Alexander Ovechkin helped Dynamo Moscow win the RSL title during the playoffs.

2005: Signed with Capitals

In August 2005, Ovechkin signed with the Capitals. Two days after signing, the lockout ended with a new CBA. He played his first game with the Capitals in the 2005–06 season opener on October 5, 2005.

2005: Calder Memorial Trophy

In the 2005–06 season, Alexander 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, Alexander Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick on January 13 against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. On January 16, he scored a memorable goal against the Phoenix Coyotes, later referred to as "The Goal". Ovechkin was also named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 and Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors simultaneously.

2006: Second NHL Season

Alexander Ovechkin completed his second NHL season in 2006-07.

2006: Creation of Ovi's Crazy 8's program

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin created Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program that purchases and donates Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids, providing access to Capitals home games for fans who wouldn't normally have the opportunity.

2006: First Winter Olympic Games

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin participated in his first Winter Olympic Games. Though Russia did not win a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals, including the game-winner against Canada.

2006: Selection to the Media All-Star team at the IIHF World Championships

In 2006, at the IIHF World Championships, Alexander Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists in seven games, leading to his selection to the Media All-Star team despite Russia's quarter-final loss to the Czech Republic.

January 2007: First NHL All-Star Game

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

October 2007: 100th NHL Goal

On October 12, 2007, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.

January 2008: 13-Year Contract Extension

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

June 2008: Launch of designer streetwear line with CCM

In June 2008, Alexander Ovechkin launched his own line of designer streetwear with CCM.

October 2008: Ovechkin Visits Ailing Grandfather

In October 2008, early in the 2008-09 season, Ovechkin went back to Moscow to see his sick grandfather, missing only his second game, which ended his 203-game streak.

2008: Goals per Game and Points per Game

From 2008 to 2010, 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".

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2008: Winning Gold Medal and Selection to Media All-Star Team at IIHF World Championships

In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin played a crucial role in leading Russia to a gold medal at the IIHF World Championships, contributing 12 points in nine games, and he was selected to the Media All-Star team for the second time.

2008: Hart Memorial Trophy Win

In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player.

February 2009: Ovechkin Scores 200th Goal

On February 5, 2009, Ovechkin achieved his 200th career goal against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the fourth NHL player to reach this milestone in four seasons.

July 2009: Named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia

In July 2009, Alexander Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

2009: Hart Memorial Trophy Win

In 2009, Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player.

January 2010: Ovechkin Named Capitals Captain

On January 5, 2010, Ovechkin was appointed captain of the Washington Capitals, marking him as the first European, second-youngest, and 14th overall captain in the team's history.

2010: Participation in the Winter Olympics

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin and Team Russia were favorites to win the Gold Medal at the Winter Olympics, but they lost to Canada in the quarterfinals, with Ovechkin recording two goals and two assists.

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

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

2010: Start of the 2010-11 Season

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in an ESPN commercial halfway into the 2010-11 NHL season.

2010: Participation in the IIHF World Championships

In 2010, after being eliminated from the NHL playoffs, Alexander Ovechkin joined Russia for the IIHF World Championships, but despite being favored, the team lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.

January 2011: Featured in ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercial

In January 2011, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in an ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercial where he laughed off accusations of being a Russian spy.

January 2011: Capitals Participate in NHL Winter Classic

On January 1, 2011, Ovechkin and the Capitals played in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the Capitals winning 3–1.

December 2011: Ovechkin Plays 500th NHL Game

On December 3, 2011, Ovechkin marked his 500th NHL game, contributing an assist in a 3–2 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators.

2011: Participation in the IIHF World Championships

In 2011, Alexander Ovechkin joined the Russian team for the IIHF World Championships after his team was eliminated from the NHL playoffs, but he did not score any points, marking the first time he failed to score in a World Championship tournament.

2012: Ovechkin Plays in KHL During Lockout

During the 2012 lockout, Ovechkin joined Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, scoring 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points in 31 games. Dynamo won the Gagarin Cup at the end of the season.

2012: Winning the IIHF World Championships

In 2012, Alexander Ovechkin played in Russia's last three games of the IIHF World Championships, where he recorded two goals and two assists as Russia won the tournament.

January 2013: Return to North America

In January 2013, Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America after the NHL lockout concluded

December 2013: Ovechkin Scores 400th Career Goal

On December 20, 2013, Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal into an empty net against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the sixth-fastest player to reach this milestone in 634 games.

2013: Participation in IIHF World Championships

In 2013, Alexander Ovechkin represented Russia in the IIHF World Championships after his team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, but Russia was defeated by the U.S. in the first playoff round.

2013: Hart Memorial Trophy Win

In 2013, Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player.

November 2014: Ovechkin Sets Franchise Point Record

On November 4, 2014, Ovechkin achieved a franchise record with his 826th point in a game against the Calgary Flames, surpassing Peter Bondra's previous record of 825 points.

2014: Winter Olympics

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

2014: Participation in Winter Olympics

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin represented Russia in the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, where the team faced immense pressure but lost to Finland in the quarter-final round.

2014: Ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin served as an ambassador for the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

2014: Winning Gold at the IIHF World Championships and subsequent request to Vladimir Putin

In 2014, after Russia won gold at the IIHF World Championships, Alexander Ovechkin requested Vladimir Putin to reward the Russian hockey team equally with the Olympic champions, sparking criticism as the World Championship was considered less significant than Olympic gold.

2014: Capitals miss the playoffs

In 2014, the Capitals missed the playoffs, which was the first time since 2014 where the Capitals missed the playoffs.

2014: Ambassador for the 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.

January 2015: Lobbying for a new car at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game

In January 2015, at the NHL All-Star Game, Alexander Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car, intending to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association; he received a Honda Accord which was later auctioned off for charity.

March 2015: Ovechkin Scores 50th Goal of the Season

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

November 2015: Ovechkin Ties and Breaks Fedorov's Goal Record

In November 2015, Ovechkin tied Sergei Fedorov's record for most goals among Russian-born players on November 7, 2015, and then broke the record on November 19, 2015, with his ninth goal of the season against the Dallas Stars.

2015: Joining the Russian Team Late in the IIHF World Championships

Alexander Ovechkin joined the Russian team late in the 2015 IIHF World Championships, where Russia won the silver medal.

January 2016: Ovechkin Scores 500th Career Goal

On January 10, 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st career goals in a game against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the 43rd player and first Russian to reach the 500-goal milestone.

2016: Capitals clinch second consecutive Presidents' Trophy

During the 2016 season, Ovechkin played all 82 games, contributing 33 goals, 36 assists, and 69 points, which helped the Capitals secure their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy and third in franchise history.

January 2017: Ovechkin scores 1,000th career point

In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin achieved his 1,000th career point with a goal against Marc-André Fleury in a 7–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach this milestone with a single team.

October 2017: Back-to-back hat tricks to start the season

On October 7, 2017, Ovechkin became the first player in 100 years to begin the season with consecutive hat tricks against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.

January 2018: Ovechkin Records 500th Assist

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

June 2018: Stanley Cup victory celebration

In June 2018, following the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory, Alexander Ovechkin and his teammates celebrated by swimming in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup.

December 2018: Ovechkin reaches 5,000 shots on goal and passes Bure for most hat tricks

In December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history to take 5,000 shots on goal. Later that month, he scored his 21st career hat trick, surpassing Pavel Bure for the most hat tricks by a Russian-born player in NHL history. Ovechkin also had a career-best 14 game point streak from 16 November to 15 December, which included back-to-back hat tricks against the Red Wings on 10 December and Hurricanes on 15 December, respectively.

2018: Stanley Cup Win and Conn Smythe Trophy

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

January 2019: Named All-Star captain, skips game to rest

On January 2, 2019, Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming 2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game. However, he chose to skip the game to rest, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension.

November 2019: Ovechkin records 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, surpassing Jari Kurri for 10th most hat tricks in NHL history. He also recorded an assist in the same game.

2019: Sharing the Single Tournament Goals Record

As of 2019, Alexander Ovechkin shares the single tournament goals record at the IIHF World U18 Championships with Cole Caufield, who scored as many goals in seven games at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships.

January 24, 2020: Ovechkin named to NHL all decade team

On January 24, 2020, Ovechkin was named to the NHL all decade team for the 2010s. He ended the 2010s decade as the leading goal scorer.

2020: First season with fewer than 30 goals

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

July 2021: Ovechkin signs contract extension with Capitals

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

March 2022: Ovechkin moves into 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 all-time goals scored in the NHL, passing Jaromír Jágr.

June 2022: Signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow

In June 2022, Alexander Ovechkin signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow, the club his father played for, and scored a goal in a friendly match, wearing jersey number 3 in honor of his father.

November 2022: Ovechkin sets NHL record for most goals with one team

On November 5, 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team. On November 29, he surpassed Gretzky for most road goals with 403.

January 2023: Ovechkin ties Gartner for 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.

December 2023: Ovechkin records 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: Ovechkin passes Gretzky for most empty-net goals

On February 10, 2024, Ovechkin scored his 57th career empty-net goal in a 3–0 Capitals win over the Boston Bruins, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.

October 2024: Ovechkin Records 700th Career Assist

In October 2024, Alexander Ovechkin achieved his 700th career assist on a goal by Aliaksei Protas during a 4–2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, marking him as the 60th player in NHL history to reach this milestone.

2024: Ovi's Crazy 8's program reaches over 5,700 individuals

As of 2024, through Alexander Ovechkin's 'Ovi's Crazy 8's' program, over 5,700 individuals have had the opportunity to see a Capitals game free of charge.

January 11, 2025: Ovechkin Scores 20th Consecutive 20-Goal Season

On January 11, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal in a 4–1 win against the Nashville Predators, becoming the second player in NHL history, after Gordie Howe, to record 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons.

March 2025: Partnership 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 approached breaking the all-time goal-scoring record.