History of Alexander Ovechkin in Timeline
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.
1943: First Team All-Star
From 1943–44 through 1946–47, Bill Durnan was voted a First Team All-Star
1946: First Team All-Star
From 1943–44 through 1946–47, Bill Durnan was voted a First Team All-Star
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.
1975: Mother's World Championship
In 1975, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, became a world champion in basketball.
1976: Mother's Olympic Gold Medal
In 1976, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball.
1980: Mother's Olympic Gold Medal
In 1980, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball.
September 1985: Ovechkin's Birthdate
Alexander Ovechkin's birthday is September 17, 1985, making him ineligible for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft according to the standard cut-off date.
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: Rocket Richard Trophy
In 2000, the Rocket Richard Trophy was awarded to Bure.
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.
2001: Rocket Richard Trophy
In 2001, the Rocket Richard Trophy was awarded to Bure.
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.
2003: Panthers Attempted to Draft Ovechkin
In the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers attempted to draft Alexander Ovechkin in the ninth round, despite him being technically too young.
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.
August 2006: Jágr Praises Ovechkin's Goal-Scoring
In August 2006, Jaromír Jágr admired Ovechkin's goal-scoring ability, noting that his goals are not "flukes" and often result from beating opponents one-on-one.
October 2006: "Russian Machine Never Breaks"
During an October 2006 practice in Vancouver, Alexander Ovechkin was struck on the foot by a teammate's shot. Despite the injury, he famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."
2006: Capitals Miss Playoffs
2014 was the first time since 2006–07 where Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs.
2006: Second NHL Season
Alexander Ovechkin completed his second NHL season in 2006-07.
2006: Roomed with Evgeni Malkin at the 2006 Winter Olympics
In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin roomed together during the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, before their friendship deteriorated.
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.
January 2007: First NHL All-Star Game
On January 24, 2007, Alexander Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game.
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, which Ovechkin denied, but Malkin confirmed.
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.
January 2008: Incident with Evgeni Malkin
On January 21, 2008, in Pittsburgh, Alexander Ovechkin made a run at Evgeni Malkin, narrowly missing him, further fueling their feud.
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".
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: Ovechkin Wins Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy, an honor given to the NHL's most valuable player.
2008: Hart Memorial Trophy Win
In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player.
2008: Criticism Over Goal Celebrations Begins
Late in the 2008–09 season, Alexander Ovechkin faced criticism regarding his post-goal celebrations, setting the stage for further scrutiny and commentary.
January 2009: Malkin assists Ovechkin in SuperSkills Competition stunt
On January 24, 2009, at the SuperSkills Competition, Evgeni Malkin assisted Alexander Ovechkin during the Breakaway Challenge, indicating a possible reconciliation.
February 2009: Don Cherry Criticizes Ovechkin's Celebrations
In February 2009, Don Cherry criticized Alexander Ovechkin's exuberant goal celebrations, comparing them to soccer players and advising Canadian kids to ignore his example.
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.
March 2009: Ovechkin's "Hot Stick" Celebration Sparks Controversy
In March 2009, after scoring his 50th goal, Alexander Ovechkin pretended to warm his hands over his stick, sparking criticism from Tampa Bay's coach and leading to discussions about his celebrations.
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.
November 2009: Ovechkin Suffers Upper-Body Injury and Suspension
On November 1, 2009, Ovechkin sustained an upper-body injury in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and on December 1, 2009, he was suspended by the NHL for two games following a knee-on-knee hit.
2009: Confirmation of incident with Malkin's agent
In 2009, Alexander Ovechkin confirmed that he punched Malkin's agent, Gennady Ushakov, but stated that it was okay.
2009: Ovechkin Wins Second Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2009, Alexander Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy, marking his second time receiving this honor for being the NHL's most valuable player.
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: 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: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
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: Ovechkin Named Hart Trophy Finalist
In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, which recognizes the NHL's most valuable player.
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.
2010: Concerns about feud affecting the 2010 Winter Olympics
In 2010, concerns were raised about the effect of Alexander Ovechkin's feud with Evgeni Malkin on the Russian national team at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
2010: Playoffs
In the 2010 playoffs, Ovechkin recorded 10 points (five goals and assists).
2010: Decline in Point Production
In the 2010-11 NHL season, Alexander Ovechkin experienced a decline in his point production, contributing to his decision to switch to Bauer Hockey equipment in August 2011.
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.
August 2011: Ovechkin Switches to Bauer Hockey
In August 2011, Alexander Ovechkin switched to Bauer Hockey equipment following a decline in his point production in the 2010–11 season after previously using CCM equipment.
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.
January 2012: Ovechkin Receives Suspension
On January 23, 2012, Ovechkin was suspended for three games due to a hit on Zbyněk Michálek, leading to his decision to miss the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.
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: Ovechkin Wins Third Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2013, Alexander Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time, recognizing him as the most valuable player in the NHL.
2013: Hart Memorial Trophy Win
In 2013, Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player.
July 2014: Engagement to Maria Kirilenko called off
On July 21, 2014, Maria Kirilenko announced that her wedding engagement to Alexander Ovechkin was called off and that the two were no longer seeing each other.
October 2014: Orpik and Stamkos Comment on Ovechkin's Playing Style
In October 2014, Brooks Orpik commented on the difficulty of stopping Ovechkin's one-timer, despite knowing it's coming. Also in October 2014, Steven Stamkos noted that Ovechkin's combination of skill and physicality sets him apart.
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: Ovechkin Wins Rocket Richard Trophy
At the conclusion of the 2013-14 season in 2014, Ovechkin won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy with 51 goals but had a −35 plus-minus rating, and the Capitals missed the playoffs.
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.
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.
July 2015: Quick Comments on Ovechkin's Powerful Shots
In July 2015, Jonathan Quick described Ovechkin's powerful shots, comparing the experience of facing them to being a batter in baseball, seeing only a blur of the puck.
September 2015: Engagement to Nastya Shubskaya announced
On September 11, 2015, Alexander Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva.
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.
2015: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2015, Alexander Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
2015: Ovechkin Named Hart Trophy Finalist Again
In 2015, Alexander Ovechkin was once again named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
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.
November 2016: "The Goal" Remembered
In November 2016, Auston Matthews mentioned in an interview that he was in attendance during the game where Ovechkin scored "The Goal" against the Phoenix Coyotes in 2006, and that he considered it the best goal he had ever seen live.
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.
2016: Received a gift from Putin at wedding
In 2016, Alexander Ovechkin received a gift from Vladimir Putin at his wedding, highlighting their personal connection.
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.
January 2017: Stated neutrality between Russians and Americans
In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin stated that he has a good relationship with both Russians and Americans, considering himself neutral.
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.
November 2017: Announcement of PutinTeam on Instagram and Launch of Official Website
In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin announced the PutinTeam movement on his Instagram and launched the group's official website to support Vladimir Putin.
November 2017: Started PutinTeam movement in support of Vladimir Putin
In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election.
2017: Named One of 100 Greatest NHL Players
In 2017, Alexander Ovechkin was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time.
2017: Ovechkin Switches Back to CCM
In 2017, prior to the Stanley Cup-winning 2017–18 season, Alexander Ovechkin switched back to CCM equipment after using Bauer equipment for several years.
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.
August 2018: Birth of first son
In August 2018, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had a son, named after Ovechkin's late brother.
October 2018: Ovechkin Passes to Oshie for Goal
On 22 October 2018, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, Alexander Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie for a goal instead of scoring a hat trick himself.
November 2018: Ovechkin Applauds Carey Price's Save
In November 2018, during a game against the Montreal Canadiens, Alexander Ovechkin applauded Carey Price's sprawling save on his shot in the dying seconds of the third period, demonstrating respect for the opposing goaltender.
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: Supporting the Russian President
In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin showed support for Russia and their president, claiming it was not about political stuff.
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.
2018: 2018 Russian presidential elections
In 2018, there were reports that the IMA-Consulting held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections.
April 2019: Gretzky Cheers for Ovechkin
In April 2019, Wayne Gretzky expressed his support for Alexander Ovechkin to break his career goals record, stating his desire to be the first to congratulate Ovechkin if he achieves it.
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.
May 2020: Birth of second son
In May 2020, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had their second son.
September 2020: Malkin gives speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party
In September 2020, Evgeni Malkin gave a speech at Alexander Ovechkin's 35th birthday party, indicating that the two are very close friends again.
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.
May 2021: Reported investment in the 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: Studying for Doctor of Sciences
By June 2021, Alexander Ovechkin was studying for a Doctor of Sciences, the Russian equivalent of a PhD, in the field of Pedagogical Sciences.
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.
2021: Price's Injury in 2021 Stanley Cup Finals
In 2021, Carey Price sustained a knee injury during the Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, leading to his absence and subsequent recovery, which was a factor in Ovechkin's later display of respect.
February 2022: Possible relinquished stake in Washington Spirit
In February 2022, it was unclear whether Alexander Ovechkin retained his stake in the Washington Spirit after the club was sold.
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.
April 2022: Ovechkin Shows Respect for Carey Price
In April 2022, Alexander Ovechkin showed respect and admiration for Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who was returning from injury and personal struggles, by giving him a fist bump during a game.
May 2022: Reiterated support for Putin
In May 2022, Alexander Ovechkin reiterated his support for Vladimir Putin and retained the Russian president on his Instagram profile photo.
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.
February 2025: Coach Carbery Remarks on Ovechkin's Passing Abilities
On 9 February 2025, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery described Alexander Ovechkin's passing abilities, noting that everyone focuses on his shot, but he also has excellent playmaking skills.
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.
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