Alexander Ovechkin is nearing another milestone that will further etch his name in the history books.
The Washington Capitals winger became the NHL’s all-time goal scorer in 2024, finally surpassing “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky. Now, Ovi has his sights set on another milestone, being the first player ever to score 900 goals in a career. He entered the 2025-2026 season with 897 career goals, tying and then surpassing Gretzky last year.
Ovechkin netted No. 899 against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 24, putting him one goal away from the feat. He is already considered the greatest goal scorer of all-time, and is assuredly a first ballot Hall of Famer when his time comes. Hitting this milestone will just add another impressive accolade to his storied career.
The Sporting News is tracking how close Ovechkin is to his 900th career goal.
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How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?
Ovechkin has scored 899 goals. He only needs one more to get to the 900-goal milestone.
How many goals has Alex Ovechkin scored this year?
The Capitals wing has played in nine games this season and has 2 goals.
When did Alex Ovechkin pass Wayne Gretzky?
Ovechkin tied Gretzky on April 4, 2025, by scoring two goals against the Chicago Blackhawks. He finally passed The Great One on April 6, 2025, scoring a power-play goal against the New York Islanders.
ALEX OVECHKIN IS THE GREATEST GOALSCORER IN NHL HISTORY! 🚨🚨🚨 #Gr8ness pic.twitter.com/NKef3VvNaJ
— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2025
How many goals will Alex Ovechkin score?
That fully depends on how long he intends to play. Ovechkin is 40 years old and certainly has more of his career behind him than in front of him. He has scored at least 31 goals in a season in which he has played at least 65 games each year. His 900th goal of his career would be his third of the year. If he can play in at least 65 games in the 2025-2026 season, he would be on track to finish the season with 928 goals. After that, it would depend on if Ovechkin chooses to retire or keep playing.
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NHL career goal leaders
| Rank | Player | Years | Goals |
| 1 | Alexander Ovechkin | 2005-present | 899 |
| 2 | Wayne Gretzky | 1979-1999 | 894 |
| 3 | Gordie Howe | 1946-1980 | 801 |
| 4 | Jaromir Jagr | 1990-2018 | 766 |
| 5 | Brett Hull | 1986-2006 | 741 |
| 6 | Marcel Dionne | 1971-1989 | 731 |
| 7 | Phil Esposito | 1963-1981 | 717 |
| 8 | Mike Gartner | 1979-1998 | 708 |
| 9 | Mark Messier | 1979-2004 | 694 |
| 10 | Steve Yzerman | 1983-2006 | 692 |
| 11 | Mario Lemieux | 1984-2006 | 690 |
| 12 | Teemu Selanne | 1992-2014 | 684 |
| 13 | Luc Robitaille | 1986-2006 | 668 |
| 14 | Brendan Shanahan | 1987-2009 | 656 |
| 15 | Dave Andreychuk | 1982-2006 | 640 |
| 16 | Sidney Crosby | 2005-present | 632 |
| 17 | Jarome Iginla | 1996-2017 | 625 |
| Joe Sakic | 1988-2009 | 625 | |
| 19 | Bobby Hull | 1957-1980 | 610 |
| 20 | Dino Ciccarelli | 1980-1999 | 608 |
| 21 | Jari Kurri | 1980-1998 | 601 |
| 22 | Steven Stamkos | 2008-present | 583 |
| 23 | Mark Recchi | 1988-2011 | 577 |
| 24 | Mike Bossy | 1977-1987 | 573 |
| 25 | Patrick Marleau | 1997-2021 | 566 |
| 26 | Joe Nieuwendyk | 1986-2007 | 564 |
| Mats Sundin | 1990-2009 | 564 | |
| 28 | Mike Modano | 1989-2011 | 561 |
| 29 | Guy Lafleur | 1971-1991 | 560 |
| 30 | Johnny Bucyk | 1955-1978 | 556 |
