Introduction
Alexander Ovechkin is one of the most iconic hockey players in the history of the NHL. In this article we’ll explore multiple facets of his life and career: his personal life — including his wife; his games-played and statistical milestones; his thoughts and trajectory regarding retirement; and a look back at his young life and how he arrived at stardom.
By the end, you’ll have a full picture of why Ovechkin remains relevant both on and off the ice.
1. Wife & Family Life
Who is his wife?
Ovechkin is married to Anastasia Shubskaya (often referred to as Nastya). They first met during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. They reconnected via social media in 2015 and wed in 2016.
Anastasia is a Russian model and film-producer and supports the family behind the scenes.
Children & home life
The couple have two sons:
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Sergei Aleksandrovich Ovechkin, born August 2018.
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Ilya Aleksandrovich Ovechkin, born May 27, 2020.
Ovechkin has spoken about how meaningful it is to bring his children into the locker-room environment and how important his family is in supporting his career.
Public presence and support
Anastasia has been present for major milestones in his career — including when Ovechkin broke the NHL all-time goal record.
She has expressed her role as supportive, and Ovechkin is often quoted praising her for managing family life while he focuses on hockey.
Why this matters
For a star athlete, having a stable home life helps with longevity, focus and resilience. Ovechkin’s relationship and family appear to be a pillar for his ongoing success.
2. Games Played & Career Milestones
Games Played
By late 2025, Ovechkin has logged in excess of 1,500 regular-season games for the Washington Capitals, becoming one of the only players to reach that mark with a single franchise.
According to StatMuse, he has played 1,503 regular-season games as of a recent update.
Goals and Records
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He scored his 900th NHL goal in 2025, becoming the first player in NHL history to reach that milestone.
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He broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing all-time NHL goal record (894) when he scored goal number 895 on April 6, 2025.
Why many games matter
Playing so many games demonstrates durability, consistency, and excellence. For Ovechkin, reaching 1,500+ games with one franchise highlights loyalty and longevity that are rare in professional sport. Alexander Ovechkin wife.
3. Retirement Outlook
Has he retired?
As of now, Ovechkin has not officially retired. He called rumors of his retirement “pure nonsense”.
The franchise (the Washington Capitals) also clarified that “no decision has been made” on his future beyond the 2025-26 season.
Contract & future
He has one more season under his current contract, so the 2025-26 campaign will be under close observation by fans and media alike.
Retirement factors to watch
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Physical condition & injuries: even a legendary player must manage wear and tear.
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Motivation: chasing further records, a second Stanley Cup (he won in 2018) or legacy goals may influence his decision.
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Family and life after hockey: being married and a father, Ovechkin might weigh lifestyle changes.
Why “young” still matters
Despite being in the latter phase of his career (he entered the league in 2005), Ovechkin continues to produce at a high level and challenge norms about age and performance. His retention of “young-mind” attributes (speed, shot power, hunger) keeps him relevant.
4. Early Life & Young Career
Roots
Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin was born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia.
He played junior hockey in Russia and was drafted 1st overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals.
Arrival in NHL & rise
He made his NHL debut in the 2005-06 season and quickly established himself as a goal-scoring phenom. His blend of natural shooting talent, speed, physicality and scoring instinct marked him out as elite from a young age.
Why “young” matters today
In a sport where many players fade by their mid-30s, Ovechkin is defying expectations. He is showing that athletes who maintain training, evolution and mental approach can extend elite performance — inspiring younger players and reshaping notions of career lifespan. Alexander Ovechkin wife.
5. Key Takeaways
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Ovechkin’s marriage to Anastasia and their family life offer stability and support critical for elite performance.
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His games played milestone (1,500+ games) underlines tremendous durability and loyalty to one franchise.
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His retirement decision remains open — he hasn’t ruled out continuing and appears motivated to keep going.
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His young career foundation laid the groundwork for extraordinary longevity; his current status shows what can be achieved with talent plus sustained effort.
FAQ
Q1: Who is Alexander Ovechkin’s wife?
A1: His wife is Anastasia Shubskaya (also known as Nastya), a Russian model and film-producer. They married in 2016.
Q2: How many children do they have?
A2: They have two sons — Sergei (born 2018) and Ilya (born 2020).
Q3: How many games has Ovechkin played in the NHL?
A3: He has played 1,503 (or more) regular-season games as of late 2025.
Q4: Has he retired from the NHL yet?
A4: No, as of now he has not officially retired. He and his team have said no decision has been made.
Q5: What record did he break recently?
A5: He broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record (894) by scoring his 895th goal on April 6, 2025.
Q6: How young was he when he started his NHL career?
A6: He was drafted first overall in 2004 and made his debut in the 2005-06 season at age 20.Alexander Ovechkin wife.
Conclusion
Alexander Ovechkin is more than just a hockey star: he’s a family man, a record-breaker, and an exemplar of longevity in sport. His marriage provides grounded support; his games played showcase durability; his retirement decision remains one to watch; and his youthful rise remains the foundation of his legacy.
