Who is Alex Ovechkin?
Alex Ovechkin is a Russian professional ice hockey player who has spent his entire NHL career with the Washington Capitals.
Selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin debuted in 2005 and quickly became one of hockey’s most dominant goal scorers. His powerful shot and remarkable consistency have made him one of the greatest players in league history.
Career highlights include:
- Stanley Cup champion (2018)
- Conn Smythe Trophy winner
- Multiple Hart Trophy MVP awards
- Multiple Rocket Richard Trophies
- NHL all-time regular-season goals leader
How old is Alex Ovechkin?
Alex Ovechkin was born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia.
As of July 2026, he is 40 years old and will turn 41 before the start of the 2026–27 NHL season.
Despite being in his forties, he continues to perform at an elite level.
Alex Ovechkin goals
Scoring goals has defined Ovechkin’s career.
By the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, he had:
- 929 NHL regular-season goals
- Became the NHL’s all-time regular-season goals leader
- Surpassed the legendary Wayne Gretzky record
- Over 1,000 combined regular-season and playoff goals, becoming only the second player in NHL history to reach that milestone.
His trademark one-timer from the left faceoff circle remains one of the most dangerous shots in hockey.
Alex Ovechkin stats
Here are Ovechkin’s updated career numbers entering the 2026-27 season:
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,573 |
| Goals | 929 |
| Points | 1,687 |
| Position | Left Wing |
| Shoots | Right |
| Stanley Cups | 1 |
During the 2025-26 season, he recorded:
- 82 games played
- 32 goals
- 64 points
Even at age 40, he remained Washington’s leading scorer.
Alex Ovechkin contract
Ovechkin’s previous five-year, $47.5 million contract expired following the 2025-26 season.
Instead of retiring, he agreed to a one-year contract with the Capitals worth $4.25 million, with additional performance bonuses available. The extension keeps him in Washington for a remarkable 22nd NHL season.
The deal allows the franchise icon another opportunity to compete for a second Stanley Cup while continuing to build on his scoring records.
Who is Alex Ovechkin’s wife?
Alex Ovechkin is married to Anastasia Shubskaya.
The couple married in 2016 and have two sons together.
Throughout Ovechkin’s career, Anastasia has frequently supported him during major milestones, including his Stanley Cup victory and his pursuit of the NHL scoring record.
Is Alex Ovechkin retiring?
Retirement speculation surrounded Ovechkin throughout the 2025-26 season.
However, in July 2026, he officially announced that he would return for another season after signing a one-year extension with Washington.
Ovechkin explained that he remains healthy, still enjoys playing hockey, and wants another chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
While many believe the 2026-27 campaign could be his final NHL season, Ovechkin has not confirmed a retirement date.
Alex Ovechkin’s legacy
Few players have influenced hockey as profoundly as Ovechkin.
His legacy includes:
- NHL all-time regular-season goals leader
- One of the greatest goal scorers ever
- Washington Capitals’ greatest player
- Stanley Cup champion
- Olympic and international hockey icon
- More than two decades of NHL excellence
His combination of elite scoring, durability, leadership, and physical play has earned him a place among the greatest athletes in hockey history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?
Alex Ovechkin has 929 regular-season NHL goals entering the 2026-27 season.
How old is Alex Ovechkin?
He is 40 years old, born on September 17, 1985.
Who is Alex Ovechkin’s wife?
He is married to Anastasia Shubskaya.
Is Alex Ovechkin retiring?
No. Ovechkin signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals and will return for the 2026-27 NHL season.
Which team does Alex Ovechkin play for?
He has spent his entire NHL career with the Washington Capitals.
Conclusion
Alex Ovechkin continues to redefine longevity in professional hockey. After rewriting the NHL record books by becoming the league’s all-time regular-season goals leader, he has chosen to extend his remarkable career into a 22nd season with the Washington Capitals. Whether 2026-27 proves to be his final campaign or not, Ovechkin’s achievements, leadership, and goal-scoring legacy have already secured his place among the greatest players in NHL history.
Leave a Reply