The farewell tour is officially under way. On 5 October 2026, Alexander Ovechkin told his Washington Capitals teammates that his 22nd NHL season will be his last. Six days later he scored against Seattle: goal 930, extending the all-time record he took from Wayne Gretzky in April 2025.
For two decades the Great 8 has been hockey's most feared shooter. Here is his story, fan to fan. Browse our Washington Capitals collection while you read.
Alexander Ovechkin Fact File
| Full name | Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 17 September 1985 (age 41) |
| Place of birth | Moscow, Soviet Union (now Russia) |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Position | Left wing (shoots right) |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Current team/status | Washington Capitals (captain); 2026-27 is his announced final NHL season |
| Shirt number | 8 |
| Nickname | The Great 8, Ovi |
Career History
| Seasons | Team | Games | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-2005 | Dynamo Moscow (Russia) | Teenage years in the Russian top flight | ||
| 2005-06 to 2009-10 | Washington Capitals | 396 | 269 | 529 |
| 2010-11 to 2016-17 | Washington Capitals | 525 | 289 | 506 |
| 2012-13 (lockout) | Dynamo Moscow (KHL) | 31 | 19 | 40 |
| 2017-18 to 2021-22 | Washington Capitals | 353 | 222 | 375 |
| 2022-23 to 2026-27* | Washington Capitals | 307 | 150 | 281 |
| NHL career | Washington Capitals | 1,581 | 930 | 1,691 |
NHL figures are regular season only, per Hockey-Reference, and include the first eight games of 2026-27 (*season in progress as of 20 October 2026). Including 77 play-off goals, his NHL total is 1,007.
Early Years: Born Into Sport in Moscow
His mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won two Olympic basketball gold medals with the Soviet Union, and his father, Mikhail, played football. He chose hockey and debuted for Dynamo Moscow's senior side at 16. He won World Junior gold with Russia in 2003, and in 2004 Washington drafted him first overall.
After one more season in Moscow, he arrived in Washington in 2005 and scored 52 goals as a rookie, winning the Calder Trophy.
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Breakthrough: The Most Feared Shot in Hockey
His third season, 2007-08, made him a superstar. He scored 65 goals, won the Art Ross, Rocket Richard, Hart and Ted Lindsay trophies,. He repeated the Hart and Lindsay double a year later. His power-play one-timer from the left circle became hockey's most famous set piece: everyone knew it was coming, few could stop it.
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Defining Moments: The Cup and the Record
Play-off heartbreak finally ended in 2018. Ovechkin scored 15 goals in the post-season, won the Conn Smythe Trophy, and lifted the Stanley Cup after the Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights in the Final. It was the franchise's first title.
Then came the chase. On 6 April 2025, he scored a power-play goal against the New York Islanders to pass Gretzky's 894 and become the NHL's all-time leading goalscorer. On 5 November 2025, he became the first player to reach 900, scoring against the St. Louis Blues.
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Later Career: One Last Lap
In 2025-26 he scored 32 goals in 82 games. Re-signed in July for one more year, and on 5 October he confirmed it would be his last. He urged teammates to "enjoy the moment because time flies", then scored goal 930 against Seattle on 11 October.
Honours
Team
- Stanley Cup: 2018
- IIHF World Championship gold: 3
- IIHF World Junior Championship gold: 2003
Individual
- Hart Trophy: 2008, 2009, 2013
- Ted Lindsay Award: 2008, 2009, 2010
- Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy: 9 times
- Art Ross Trophy: 2008
- Conn Smythe Trophy: 2018
- Calder Memorial Trophy: 2006
- Mark Messier Leadership Award: 2025
Records
- NHL all-time leader in regular-season goals (930 and counting)
- Most 40-goal seasons in NHL history (14)
Away From the Rink
Ovechkin's community work earned him the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2025. He says playing with his young sons as they grow up shaped his decision to retire. After goal 930, Washington's 9:30 Club gave him free tickets for life.
FAQs
How old is Alexander Ovechkin?
Alexander Ovechkin is 41. He was born on 17 September 1985.
Where was Alexander Ovechkin born?
He was born in Moscow, in what was then the Soviet Union.
How tall is Alexander Ovechkin?
He stands 6 ft 3 in (191 cm).
What teams has Alexander Ovechkin played for?
Dynamo Moscow (including the 2012-13 lockout) and the Washington Capitals, his only NHL club.
How many goals has Ovechkin scored?
As of 20 October 2026, he has 930 NHL regular-season goals, the all-time record, plus 77 in the play-offs.
Is 2026-27 Ovechkin's last season?
Yes. He announced on 5 October 2026 that his 22nd NHL season will be his last.
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Made to order in the UK for fans of hockey's greatest goalscorer.
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Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Wayne Gretzky Career Story: The Great One, 99 and 2,857 Points and Sidney Crosby Career Story: Sid the Kid and Three Stanley Cups.
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