Full History Of Alexander Ovechkin In Timeline From 1965

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Alexander Ovechkin is rested and prepared for the Capitals' playoff push. Ovechkin expresses uncertainty about his NHL future. Retirement and Olympic injury rumors circulate as Sharks seek defensive reinforcements.

1965: Last Left-Winger to Lead NHL in Points

Bobby Hull led the league with 97 points in 1965–66

1968: Tim Horton's Achievement

In 1968, Tim Horton became the player 39 years of age or older to record three points in consecutive games.

1975: Mother Wins World Championship

In 1975, Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won a world championship in basketball.

1976: Mother Wins Olympic Gold Medal

In 1976, Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball.

1980: Jean Ratelle's Achievement

In 1980, Jean Ratelle became the player 39 years of age or older to record three points in consecutive games.

1980: Mother Wins Olympic Gold Medal

In 1980, Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball.

September 1985: Ovechkin's Birthday

Alexander Ovechkin's birthday is in September 1985. His birthday was two days after the cut-off for the draft eligibility

September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin Born

On 17 September 1985, Alexander Ovechkin was born in Moscow, Russia, to Soviet athletes Tatyana Ovechkina and Mikhail Ovechkin.

1995: Last NHL Player to Score 60 Goals in a Season

Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr were the last NHL players to score 60 goals in a season in 1995–96.

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.

1999: Last NHL Player to Score At Least 40 Even-Strength Goals

Pavel Bure in 1999–2000 was the last NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season.

2000: Second player after Bure to win award in back-to-back seasons

Pavel Bure (2000 and 2001) was the last NHL player to win award in back-to-back seasons.

2000: Last NHL Player to Score At Least 40 Even-Strength Goals

Pavel Bure in 1999–2000 was the last NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season.

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.

2001: Second player after Bure to win award in back-to-back seasons

Pavel Bure (2000 and 2001) was the last NHL player to win award in back-to-back seasons.

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.

2003: Panthers Attempt to Draft Ovechkin

In the 2003 NHL entry draft, the Florida Panthers attempted to draft Ovechkin in the ninth round, even though he was not yet eligible.

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: Named NHL Rookie and Offensive Player of the Month

In February 2006, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors simultaneously.

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.

October 2006: "Russian machine never breaks"

On October 26, 2006, during practice, Ovechkin was hit by a teammate's shot and had to be helped off the ice. The next day, he famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."

2006: Wins Calder Memorial Trophy; EA Sports Cover Athlete

After the 2005-06 season ended, Ovechkin received the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie. EA Sports made him one of the cover athletes for NHL 07.

2006: Winter Olympics together

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin roomed together during the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. They were reported to be good friends at the time, but tension arose soon after.

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: Named to the NHL first All-Star team

In 2006, Ovechkin was named to the NHL first All-Star team, the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years.

2006: Hole in one during charity golf tournament

In 2006, during a preseason charity golf tournament in Springfield, Virginia, Alexander Ovechkin made a hole in one on a par 3 hole, despite it being his first time playing golf.

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.

August 2007: Altercation with Malkin's Agent

In August 2007, Alexander Ovechkin allegedly punched Evgeni Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin denied the version of events, while Malkin confirmed it.

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.

January 2008: Incident with Evgeni Malkin

On January 21, 2008, in Pittsburgh, Alexander Ovechkin took a run at Evgeni Malkin, which could have resulted in a hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two also did not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony.

June 2008: Designer Streetwear Launch

On June 11, 2008, Alexander Ovechkin launched his own line of designer streetwear with CCM.

October 2008: Returns Home to Moscow

In October 2008, Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career.

2008: 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: 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.

2008: Hart Memorial Trophy Award

In 2008, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.

2008: Wins Hart Memorial Trophy and Best Player Award

In 2008, Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player and the award for best player as voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association.

2008: Criticism over After-Goal Celebrations

Late in the 2008-09 season, Ovechkin faced criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations.

January 2009: SuperSkills Competition

In January 2009, during the SuperSkills Competition, Evgeni Malkin assisted Alexander Ovechkin in his Breakaway Challenge stunt by handing him props, his stick, and pouring a sports drink down his throat.

February 2009: Criticism from Don Cherry

On February 28, 2009, Canadian hockey analyst Don Cherry criticized Ovechkin's goal celebrations, comparing them to soccer players and advising Canadian kids to ignore his example.

February 2009: Scores 200th NHL Goal

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

March 2009: "Hot Stick" incident and criticism

On March 19, 2009, after scoring his 50th goal, Ovechkin pretended to warm his hands over his stick, sparking a response from then–Tampa Bay head coach Rick Tocchet, who disapproved of the celebration.

July 2009: Sochi Olympics Ambassador

On July 6, 2009, Alexander Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

November 2009: Ovechkin Suffers Upper-Body Injury

In November 2009, Alexander Ovechkin sustained an upper-body injury after colliding with Raffi Torres during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2009: Confirmation of Altercation with Malkin's Agent

In 2009, Alexander Ovechkin confirmed in an interview with RT that the incident in which he punched Evgeni Malkin's agent was true, while also stating "but is okay".

2009: Hart Memorial Trophy Award

In 2009, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.

2009: Wins Hart Memorial Trophy and Best Player Award for the Second Time

In 2009, Ovechkin won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player and the award for best player as voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association for the second time.

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: Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin appeared in the film Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena as an actor.

2010: Featured in ESPN SportsCenter commercial

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials.

2010: Winter Olympics

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

2010: Finalist for Hart Memorial Trophy and Best Player Award

In 2010, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy and the award for best player as voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association.

2010: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist

In 2010, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.

2010: Point production decline

In the 2010-11 season, Ovechkin experienced a decline in his point production.

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.

January 2011: ESPN SportsCenter Commercial

On January 4, 2011, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials, where he jokingly denied being a Russian spy.

August 2011: Equipment change to Bauer Hockey

In August 2011, Ovechkin switched to Bauer Hockey equipment following a decline in his point production in the 2010–11 season.

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.

2011: Sponsorship Deal with Nike

In 2011, Alexander Ovechkin signed a long-term sponsorship deal with sportswear brand Nike.

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.

2013: Hart Memorial Trophy Award

In 2013, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.

July 2014: Engagement called off

In July 2014, Maria Kirilenko announced that her wedding engagement with Alexander Ovechkin was called off, and that the two were no longer seeing each other.

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: Sochi Olympics Ambassador

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

2014: Richard Trophy win and missed playoffs

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, scoring 51 goals, while going −35. Capitals missed the 2014 playoffs.

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.

September 2015: Engagement to Nastya Shubskaya

In September 2015, Alexander Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva.

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.

2015: Finalist for Hart Memorial Trophy and Best Player Award

In 2015, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy and the award for best player as voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association.

2015: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist

In 2015, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.

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.

November 2016: Matthews Recalls "The Goal"

In November 2016, Auston Matthews recalled witnessing "The Goal" live, calling it the best goal he ever saw live.

2016: Putin's Wedding Gift

In 2016, Alexander Ovechkin received a gift from Vladimir Putin at his wedding, highlighting their personal relationship.

January 2017: Neutral Stance

In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin stated his neutrality, expressing a good relationship with both Russians and Americans.

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.

November 2017: PutinTeam Announcement and Launch

In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin announced the launch of PutinTeam on his Instagram and the launch of the group's official website. The PutinTeam was meant to be non-political, but the idea may have been supported by Kremlin sources.

November 2017: 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.

2017: Named One of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of All Time

In 2017, Ovechkin was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time.

2017: Switch back to CCM equipment

In the 2017–18 season, Ovechkin switched back to using CCM equipment.

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."

August 2018: Birth of son Sergei

In August 2018, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had a son, named Sergei after Ovechkin's late brother.

October 2018: Unselfish Playmaking

On October 22, 2018, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie rather than score the easy hat-trick for himself, demonstrating his unselfish playmaking.

November 2018: Respectful Gesture to Carey Price

On November 19, 2018, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, Ovechkin applauded goaltender Carey Price for a sprawling save, showing respect and admiration for his performance.

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: PutinTeam Support

In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin supported Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election with the PutinTeam movement.

2018: Russian Presidential Election

In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin supported Vladimir Putin during the Russian presidential election with the PutinTeam movement.

2018: Hardest Shot Title at All-Star Game

In 2018, Ovechkin won the hardest shot title at the National Hockey League All-Star Game skills competition, achieving a top speed of 101.3 mph.

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.

April 2019: Gretzky's Support for Ovechkin Breaking the Record

In April 2019, Wayne Gretzky expressed his support for Ovechkin potentially breaking his all-time goals record and stated he wanted to be the first to congratulate him if it happened.

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.

2019: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

In 2019, Alexander Ovechkin served as an inspiration for the character of Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, most notably in Heated Rivalry.

2019: Shared Goals Record

In 2019, Cole Caufield matched Ovechkin's single tournament goals record at the IIHF World U18 Championships.

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.

May 2020: Birth of son Ilya

In May 2020, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had a second son, named Ilya.

September 2020: Ovechkin's 35th Birthday Party

In September 2020, Evgeni Malkin gave a speech at Alexander Ovechkin's 35th birthday party, signifying their renewed friendship.

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.

May 2021: 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: Close to obtaining Candidate of Sciences

By June 2021, Alexander Ovechkin was studying for and close to obtaining a Candidate of Sciences, which is the Russian equivalent of a PhD, in the field of Pedagogical Sciences.

July 2021: Contract extension with Capitals

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

February 2022: Washington Spirit Sale

In February 2022, the Washington Spirit club was sold, casting uncertainty on whether Alexander Ovechkin retained his stake in the club.

February 2022: Call for Peace

On February 25, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Alexander Ovechkin called for peace and an end to the war. He mentioned having family back in Russia and expressed hope for a quick resolution.

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.

May 2022: Support for Putin

In May 2022, Alexander Ovechkin responded to a question about Putin by stating, "He is my president, right? I am Russian. What else can I say?"

June 2022: FC Dynamo Moscow Contract

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

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: The Long Game by Rachel Reid

In 2022, Alexander Ovechkin served as an inspiration for the character of Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, most notably in its sequel The Long Game.

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.

2023: Use of custom branded stick

Beginning in the 2023–24 season, 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: 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.

February 2025: Praise for Passing Abilities

On February 9, 2025, after a game against the Utah Hockey Club, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery described Ovechkin's passing abilities, highlighting his shot-pass capability.

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: Tom Wilson's praise of Ovechkin

In April 2025, Capitals teammate Tom Wilson praised Ovechkin's energy and leadership on the team, highlighting his ability to create energy, score, hit, and block shots, reinforcing his legendary status.

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.

August 2025: Intervision Ambassador

On August 23, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin became one of the official ambassadors of Intervision 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.