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 Russian professional ice hockey left winger and captain of the Washington Capitals. He is second in all-time NHL goal scoring, behind Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin holds numerous NHL records, including most power play goals, away game goals, overtime goals, goalies scored upon, and goals with one team. He is one of three players to reach 800 career goals, along with Gretzky and Gordie Howe, solidifying his place as a hockey legend.
1943: Surpassed Bill Durnan's Record
In 2009-10, Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Hall of Fame goaltender Bill Durnan (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.
1946: Surpassed Bill Durnan's Record
In 2009-10, Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Hall of Fame goaltender Bill Durnan (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.
2001: Professional Career Begins
In 2001, Ovechkin began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague.
2001: Joins Dynamo Moscow
In 2001, Ovechkin began playing in the Russian Super League (RSL) for Dynamo Moscow at the age of 16.
2002: World U-17 Hockey Challenge
At the age of 16, Ovechkin played at the 2002 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he scored two hat tricks, one against Switzerland and one against the United States, and an assist.
2002: Youngest Player for Russian National Team
At the age of 17, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team in the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament in 2002 and also the youngest player to score for the team.
2002: First IIHF Tournament
In 2002, Ovechkin's first IIHF tournament was the World U18 Championship.
2003: Capitals Back to Stanley Cup Playoffs
In 2007-08, Ovechkin helped lead the Capitals back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003.
2004: World Cup of Hockey
At the age of 19, 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.
2004: Remained with Dynamo Moscow
Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season.
2004: Drafted by Washington Capitals
In 2004, Ovechkin was selected by the Washington Capitals first overall in the NHL Entry Draft.
2004: Drafted First Overall
In 2004, Ovechkin was selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals.
2004: Senior Tournament Debut
In 2004, Ovechkin's first senior tournament was the World Championship, and he also played in the World Cup.
July 2005: Contract Out Clause Deadline
In July 2005, Ovechkin's contract with Avangard Omsk contained an out clause with a 20 July deadline to maintain NHL eligibility.
August 2005: Signs with Capitals
On 5 August 2005, Ovechkin signed with the Washington Capitals.
October 2005: NHL Debut
On 5 October 2005, Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals, scoring two goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2005: 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.
2005: Start of NHL Career
Since the start of his NHL career in 2005, Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Jaromir Jagr for most goalies scored on in NHL history, reaching a total of 179 different goalies.
January 2006: First Career Hat Trick
On 13 January 2006, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Also, on 16 January, he scored "The Goal" against the Phoenix Coyotes. On 1 February, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month.
August 2006: Jágr's Admiration for Ovechkin's Goal Scoring
In August 2006, New York Rangers forward Jaromír Jágr expressed admiration for Ovechkin's goal-scoring productivity, stating that Ovechkin's goals are not "flukes" and that he often beats players one-on-one.
2006: Created Ovi's Crazy 8's program
In 2006, Ovechkin created Ovi's Crazy 8's, donating Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids, providing access to games for those who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity.
2006: Winter Olympics
In 2006, Ovechkin played for Russia at the Winter Olympics.
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
On 24 January 2007, Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game.
October 2007: 100th NHL Goal
On 12 October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist.
January 2008: Signs 13-Year Contract Extension
On 10 January 2008, Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension with the Capitals worth $124 million.
2008: Led NHL in Goals and Points per Game
From 2008 to 2010, Ovechkin led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons.
February 2009: 200th NHL Goal
On 5 February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons.
January 1, 2010: Start of Ovechkin's Dominance in the 2010s
On January 1, 2010, Ovechkin began his dominant run in the 2010s decade, ultimately becoming the leading goal scorer with 437 goals.
January 2010: Named Capitals' Captain and Reaches 500-Point Milestone
In January 2010, Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals, becoming the first European to be named captain. Also in January 2010, he reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career.
2010: Winter Olympics
In 2010, Ovechkin played for Russia at the Winter Olympics.
January 2011: Participated in NHL Winter Classic
In January 2011, Ovechkin and the Capitals participated in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the Capitals winning 3-1.
December 2011: Played 500th NHL Game
In December 2011, Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game, a 3-2 OT win over the Ottawa Senators, recording an assist.
2012: Played for Dynamo Moscow during Lockout
During the lockout in the first half of the shortened 2012–13 season, Ovechkin went to play in the KHL and re-joined Dynamo Moscow with his teammate Nicklas Bäckström.
January 2013: Returned to North America After Lockout
In January 2013, Ovechkin and Backstrom returned to North America after the NHL lockout concluded.
December 2013: Scored 400th Career Goal
In December 2013, Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the sixth-fastest player to reach that mark.
October 2014: Orpik and Stamkos on Ovechkin's Playing Style
In October 2014, teammate Brooks Orpik commented on Ovechkin's one-timer, noting its effectiveness despite being predictable. Also in October 2014, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos highlighted Ovechkin’s combination of skill and physicality.
November 2014: Franchise Point Record
In November 2014, Ovechkin recorded his 826th point in a game against the Calgary Flames, surpassing Peter Bondra for the franchise record.
2014: Russia wins gold at IIHF World Championships
In 2014, Ovechkin participated in the IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold. After the tournament, he requested Vladimir Putin reward the Russian hockey team, drawing criticism due to the perceived insignificance of the World Championship compared to the Olympic gold.
2014: Winter Olympics
In 2014, Ovechkin played for Russia at the Winter Olympics.
2014: Became an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association
Since 2014, Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting ice hockey.
March 2015: Sixth 50-Goal Season
In March 2015, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons.
July 2015: Quick on Ovechkin's Shooting Skills
In July 2015, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick described Ovechkin's powerful shot, comparing it to facing a baseball batter due to the puck's speed.
November 2015: Ties and Breaks Sergei Fedorov's Goal Record
In November 2015, Ovechkin tied Sergei Fedorov's record for most goals among Russian-born players with 483 and subsequently broke the record.
2015: Russia wins silver at IIHF World Championships
In 2015, Ovechkin joined the Russian team late in the IIHF World Championships, where Russia won the silver medal.
January 2016: 500th Career Goal
In January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th career goal in a victory over the Ottawa Senators, becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau and the fifth-fastest to do so.
January 2017: Scored 1,000th Career Point
In January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point in a 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 to Start the Season
In October 2017, Alexander Ovechkin became the first player in 100 years to start the season with back-to-back hat tricks, playing against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.
January 2018: Ovechkin Records 500th Career Assist
In January 2018, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a goal by Nicklas Bäckström in a game against the Florida Panthers.
January 2018: 500th Assist
On January 25, 2018, Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a Nicklas Bäckström goal.
June 2018: Celebrated Stanley Cup victory
Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin participated in celebrations, including swimming in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup on June 9, 2018. The summer of 2018 was dubbed "The Summer of Ovi."
December 2018: Fastest to 5,000 Shots & 23rd Hat Trick
In December 2018, Alexander Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history to take 5,000 shots on goal and recorded his 23rd career hat trick, passing Pavel Bure for most by a Russian-born player.
2018: Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2018, Ovechkin won the Stanley Cup for the first time, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the 2018 playoffs.
January 2019: All-Star Captaincy and Skipped Game
In January 2019, Alexander Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game but chose to skip it to rest, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension.
November 2019: Ovechkin's 24th Career Hat Trick
In November 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 31, 2019: End of Ovechkin's Dominant Decade
By December 31, 2019, Alexander Ovechkin concluded the 2010s as the leading goal scorer with 437 goals, solidifying his legacy.
July 2021: Contract Extension with Capitals
In July 2021, Alexander Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Washington Capitals.
March 2022: Ovechkin Moves to Third All-Time in Goals Scored
In March 2022, Alexander 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
In November 2022, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team.
January 2023: Ovechkin Ties Mike Gartner for Most 30-Goal Seasons
In January 2023, Alexander Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for having the most 30-goal seasons, recording his 17th 30-goal season.
December 2023: Ovechkin Reaches 1,500 Career Points
In December 2023, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point, becoming the 16th player in NHL history to reach the milestone.
February 2024: Most Empty-Net Goals All-Time
In February 2024, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 57th career empty-net goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.
October 2024: Ovechkin Records 700th Career Assist
In October 2024, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 700th career assist, becoming the 60th player in NHL history to reach the mark.
2024: Over 5,700 Individuals Saw Free Game Through Ovi's Crazy 8's
As of 2024, more than 5,700 individuals have had a chance to see a game free of charge through Ovechkin's Ovi's Crazy 8's program
January 11, 2025: Ovechkin Reaches 20 Consecutive 20-Goal Seasons
On January 11, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin became the second player in NHL history to record 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons, joining Gordie Howe.
February 2025: Carbery Remarks on Ovechkin's Passing Abilities
On February 9, 2025, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery described Ovechkin's passing abilities, remarking, "Everybody is so focused on his shot when he gets the puck, you’re always thinking shot, shot, shot. But he’s got that look-off pass too, the shot-pass, I call it".
March 2025: Partnered with Hockey Fights Cancer
In March 2025, Ovechkin announced that he would be partnering up with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer for every goal he socres as he closed in on breaking the all time goal-scoring record.
