Overview

Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin, born on September 17, 1985, is a Russian professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Known as “Ovi” or “The Great 8”, he currently captains the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Ovechkin began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow before being drafted first overall by the Capitals in 2004. Ovechkin quickly established himself as a premier goal scorer, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year. He has since won numerous awards, including three Hart Memorial Trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player, and has led the league in goal scoring nine times, securing a record nine Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophies. In 2018, he captained the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. Ovechkin’s remarkable achievements and consistent high performance have solidified his place among the sport’s legends, and on April 6, 2025, he surpassed Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. His influence on the game and his dedication to the sport continue to inspire fans and players worldwide. Ovechkin’s current contract with the Capitals extends through the 2025-2026 season.

Washington Capitals

Left Winger

What Is Alexander Ovechkin’s Net Worth?

Alexander Ovechkin, the celebrated Russian hockey icon, boasts a net worth of $80 million as of 2025. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from his lucrative NHL career, endorsements, and strategic investments over the years.

Alexander Ovechkin’s Career Earnings, Salary and Contracts

To date, Alex Ovechkin has earned $160 million in NHL salary. Ovechkin’s financial success is largely attributable to a series of high-value contracts throughout his NHL career. His contract history is as follows:

Entry-Level Contract (2005–2008):

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Total Value: $11.5 million
  • Average Annual Value (AAV): Approximately $3.83 million
  • Details: After being selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin signed this standard entry-level contract with the Capitals.

13-Year Extension (2008–2021):

  • Duration: 13 years
  • Total Value: $124 million
  • AAV: Approximately $9.54 million
  • Details: In January 2008, Ovechkin signed a landmark 13-year extension with Washington, averaging $9.5 million per year. This contract was notable for being negotiated without an agent, directly with Capitals’ management.

5-Year Extension (2021–2026):

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Total Value: $47.5 million
  • AAV: $9.5 million
  • Details: In July 2021, Ovechkin secured a five-year extension with the Capitals, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2025–26 season. The contract includes a substantial signing bonus structure totaling $34.5 million, distributed as follows:
    • 2021–22: $4 million
    • 2022–23: $9 million
    • 2023–24: $11.5 million
    • 2024–25: $6 million
    • 2025–26: $4 million

The consistent high-value contracts reflect not only Ovechkin’s exceptional talent and performance but also his importance to the Washington Capitals franchise. His ability to negotiate such lucrative deals has significantly contributed to his overall net worth.

Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin was born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union). Growing up in a family deeply involved in athletics, Ovechkin was exposed to competitive sports from a young age. His mother, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball, recognized his potential early on when he first picked up a hockey stick at the age of two. Alexander enrolled at Dynamo Moscow’s sports school at an early age and engaged in daily training sessions.

Tragically, at the age of 10, Ovechkin lost his elder brother due to complications from a car accident. This personal loss profoundly impacted him, and he honors his brother by kissing his glove and pointing to the sky after scoring goals.

At age 11, Ovechkin was already demonstrating exceptional talent, scoring over 55 goals per season within the Dynamo Moscow system. It was during this period that he began to aspire to play in the NHL, recognizing it as the pinnacle of professional hockey.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Ovechkin’s career is marked by numerous milestones and achievements that have not only solidified his legacy as one of the greatest hockey players of all time but have also significantly boosted his marketability and earning potential.

At age 16, Ovechkin made his debut in the Russian Super League for Dynamo Moscow. He spent three seasons in Russia before being drafted into the NHL, during which he scored 36 goals and recorded 32 assists. In 2004, Alexander was selected first overall by the Washington Capitals during the draft.

Rookie Success and Early Accolades: Ovechkin’s NHL debut was nothing short of spectacular. In his first game, he scored two goals, quickly followed by his first hat trick. His rookie season was highlighted by a goal against the Phoenix Coyotes, later dubbed “The Goal,” which many considered the best they had ever witnessed. He concluded his rookie year with 52 goals and was named the NHL’s best rookie.

Continued Dominance and Team Leadership: Throughout his career, Ovechkin consistently won awards and honors. In 2010, he was named the team captain, solidifying his role as a leader both on and off the ice.

Stanley Cup Victory: The 2017-2018 season was a pinnacle in Ovechkin’s career. He led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup victory against the Vegas Golden Knights, dispelling the narrative that he was the greatest hockey player to never win the Cup. This victory not only enhanced his legacy but also significantly increased his endorsement opportunities.

Surpassing Gretzky’s Record: On April 6, 2025, Ovechkin cemented his legacy as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history by netting his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record. The milestone goal came on a signature power-play one-timer against the New York Islanders, assisted by longtime teammate Tom Wilson. The Capitals captain celebrated with a jubilant belly flop on the ice as fans roared and teammates swarmed him. The moment was honored with an on-ice ceremony featuring NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky himself, who hailed Ovechkin’s feat as one of the sport’s most unthinkable accomplishments. Achieving the record in his 1,487th game—the same number Gretzky played—Ovechkin also extended his lead for the most 40-goal seasons in league history with 14, despite missing significant time that season due to injury. The record not only solidified his status as a generational talent but also closed the chapter on a chase that had captivated the hockey world for over a decade.

Maurice Richard Trophies: Ovechkin has won nine Maurice Richard Trophies, awarded annually to the NHL’s top goal scorer. His consistent high-scoring seasons have solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the NHL.

Real Estate Investments

Alexander Ovechkin’s real estate portfolio includes a notable residence in McLean, Virginia. In 2012, he purchased a home for $4.2 million. The residence boasts five bedrooms and over 11,000 square feet of living space. Constructed just one year prior to the purchase, it sits on more than an acre of land. Notable features include a mahogany deck and a cherry-paneled elevator.

Personal Life and Relationships

Alexander Ovechkin’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, with his relationships and family life contributing to his public image and overall marketability.

Past Engagement: Ovechkin was previously engaged to tennis star Maria Kirilenko. The couple ended their engagement in 2014.

Marriage and Family: In 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of famed Soviet director and actress Vera Glagoleva. The couple married shortly after their engagement and welcomed their first child in 2018. Their second child was born in 2020.

Controversies and Public Image

Throughout his career, Ovechkin has faced controversies that have, at times, impacted his public image. One notable incident involved a feud with fellow Russian hockey player Evgeni Malkin.

Feud with Evgeni Malkin: Ovechkin caused considerable controversy after an intense and long-standing feud with Evgeni Malkin. The pair are both Russian, and they were even described as friends at one point. However, an incident that allegedly involved Ovechkin punching Malkin’s agent at a nightclub caused a permanent rift between them. On the ice, Ovechkin seemingly tried to injure Malkin, aiming devastating hits at his Russian countryman. In many cases, Malkin was barely able to duck out of the way and escape injury. However, tensions appeared to relax when the pair appeared together during the 2009 SuperSkills Competition and seemed to be jovial with one another. One report stated that a third Russian player, Ilya Kovalchuk, helped the pair get over their differences.

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