Alex Ovechkin, born September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, is a professional ice hockey forward and captain of the NHL's Washington Capitals, widely regarded as the greatest goal-scorer in league history.[1][2][3] Selected first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, he began his pro career with Dynamo Moscow in Russia's Superleague before debuting in the NHL in 2005 amid the league lockout's aftermath.[1][2][4] Ovechkin exploded onto the scene as a rookie, scoring 52 goals to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.[1][4] His explosive style—marked by a powerful shot, physicality, and speed—earned him nicknames like "Ovie" and "The Great 8."[1] In 2007-08, he scored 65 goals (first 60-goal season since 1996), led Washington to a division title, and swept major awards: Hart Memorial (MVP), Rocket Richard (top scorer), Art Ross (points leader), and Ted Lindsay.[2][3] He captained the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in 2018, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights, and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP—the first Russian to lead a team to the title.[1][2][3] Career highlights include NHL records for goals (895 as of April 2025, surpassing Wayne Gretzky), shots on goal (6,852), power-play goals (325), game-winning goals (136), and most 40-goal seasons (14).[1][4] He has three Hart Trophies, nine 50-goal seasons, 33 hat tricks, and 1,619 points over 1,487 games.[1][7] Internationally, Ovechkin won three World Championships and competed in three Olympics for Russia.[4] As of early 2026, the 40-year-old remains active with the Capitals, recently scoring goals 910 and 911, and chasing further records while holding a 13-year, $124 million extension from 2008.[1][4][5] Off-ice, he supports philanthropy via Ovi's Crazy 8's and cancer initiatives.[4]