Executive Insights
- Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record (894) on April 6, 2025.
- He became the first player to score 900 career goals in November 2025.
- As of Feb 2026, Ovechkin has ~919 goals and is playing in his age-40 season.
- Ovechkin is in the final year of his contract, sparking rumors of potential retirement or a return to the KHL.
- His playing style has evolved to prioritize positioning (‘canniness’) over speed as he enters his 40s.
Now 40 years old and in the final months of his contract with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin is writing arguably the final chapter of a career that has redefined offensive dominance in the modern era.
The Day History Changed: April 6, 2025
The date April 6, 2025, is now etched into hockey immortality. Facing the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, Ovechkin entered the game tied with Gretzky at 894 goals. The moment the hockey world had held its breath for arrived in the second period.
It wasn’t his signature one-timer from “The Office,” but a play that showcased his deceptive release. Receiving a pass from Dylan Strome, Ovechkin dragged the puck to change the angle and fired a wrist shot from the top of the left circle—just above his usual spot—beating compatriot Ilya Sorokin. The goal, number 895, officially crowned him the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Reaction to the Moment:
- Wayne Gretzky: True to his word, “The Great One” was in attendance, immediately offering a handshake and congratulations, symbolically passing the torch he held for over 30 years.
- LeBron James: The NBA’s all-time leading scorer sent a video tribute, welcoming Ovechkin to the exclusive club of record-breakers.
- The Celebration: A mob of Capitals teammates at center ice, followed by a standing ovation from the opposing crowd—a testament to the respect Ovechkin commands league-wide.
Entering Uncharted Territory: The 900 Club
Ovechkin didn’t stop at 895. Early in the 2025-2026 season, he achieved a milestone many thought statistically impossible in the modern era: 900 career goals.
On November 6, 2025, Ovechkin scored his 900th goal, further widening the gap between himself and the rest of history. Interestingly, the milestone marker came via a backhand shot—a rarity for the power-forward—which drew a classic chirp from longtime rival Sidney Crosby the very next day.
“Congrats, man. Of all f*cking goals, a backhand? I was surprised, but I’ll take it.”
— Sidney Crosby to Ovechkin (Mic’d up interaction, Nov 7, 2025)
Current Status: The Age-40 Season (2025-2026)
As of early February 2026, Ovechkin continues to defy the typical aging curve of professional athletes. While he has lost some of the explosive acceleration that defined his youth, his processing speed and shot release remain elite.
2025-26 Season Statistics (As of Feb 3, 2026)
| Stat Category | Value | League Rank / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | ~55 | consistently in lineup |
| Season Goals | 22 | On pace for ~32-35 goals |
| Season Points | 46 | Solid production for age 40 |
| Career Goals | 919 | ALL-TIME RECORD |
| Power Play Goals | 4 | Lower than usual, adapting role |
Evolution of a Sniper: Adapting at 40
The “Ovechkin of 2026” is a different beast than the “Ovechkin of 2008.” His game has evolved from sheer physical dominance to calculated efficiency. Key adjustments include:
- Canniness over Speed: He no longer rushes the puck end-to-end. Instead, he glides into “quiet ice,” finding soft spots in defensive zone coverages that younger players miss.
- The “Office” Expansion: While he still camps in the left faceoff circle, his shot map shows more goals coming from deflections and rebounds near the crease, proving he’s willing to pay the price in the dirty areas.
- Energy Management: His average time on ice (ATOI) has dipped slightly to around 17-18 minutes, keeping him fresh for power plays and critical offensive zone starts.
The Final Contract: Stay or Go?
Ovechkin is currently in the final year of his 5-year, $47.5 million contract, which expires after this season. The hockey world is buzzing with speculation about his future:
- Retirement Rumors: There is a strong sentiment that this could be his final NHL season. He has achieved the ultimate individual record and brought a Stanley Cup to D.C. in 2018.
- The KHL Option: Ovechkin has frequently expressed a desire to finish his career with Dynamo Moscow, his hometown club.
- The 1,000 Goal Dream: While 1,000 goals is a nice round number, it would likely require 2-3 more seasons of high-level production. Ovechkin has stated, “I’m not thinking about it… we’ll see what happens,” leaving the door slightly ajar but leaning towards a decision post-season.
Legacy: Gretzky vs. Ovechkin
Now that the record has fallen, the debate has shifted to a comparison of eras.
Wayne Gretzky played in the high-scoring 1980s, where goalies were smaller and equipment was lighter. He was a playmaker first, amassing more assists than anyone else has points.
Alex Ovechkin played the majority of his career in a lower-scoring era facing highly technical butterfly goaltenders and sophisticated defensive systems. His ability to score 50 goals consistently (9 times) in this defensive environment is what many experts argue makes him the Greatest Goal Scorer of all time, distinct from Gretzky’s title as the Greatest Player.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: When did Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky’s goal record?
Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 on April 6, 2025, scoring his 895th goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.
Q: How many career goals does Alex Ovechkin have as of 2026?
As of early February 2026, Alex Ovechkin has approximately 919 career regular-season goals.
Q: Is Alex Ovechkin retiring after the 2026 season?
Ovechkin is in the final year of his contract with the Washington Capitals. While he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, there is widespread speculation that he may retire from the NHL or return to Russia to play for Dynamo Moscow after this season.
Q: Did Alex Ovechkin score 900 goals?
Yes, Alex Ovechkin became the first player in NHL history to score 900 goals, reaching the milestone on November 6, 2025.
Q: What team did Ovechkin score his record-breaking goal against?
He scored his record-breaking 895th goal against the New York Islanders, beating goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
