Alex Ovechkin is having a banner season with the Washington Capitals, having scored 30 goals during his 20th season. He is so good that he is now just 12 goals away from tying Wayne Gretsky’s all-time NHL goals record of 894, currently sitting at 883 career goals.
Having a season of this caliber is also impressive given that he is one of the oldest players in the league. With 1,468 games under his belt, the veteran Caps star is showing no signs of slowing down.
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Let’s take a look at Ovechkin’s age and how he compares with some of the other NHL greats.
How old is Alex Ovechkin?
Ovechkin is 39 years old. He was born on Sept. 17, 1985 in Moscow, Russia. He is the second-oldest NHL player to score over 40 goals in a season, last doing so during the 2022-23 season with Washington.
The oldest is Gordie Howe, who scored 44 goals with the Detroit Red Wings in 1968-69 when he was 40.
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When was Alex Ovechkin drafted?
Ovechkin was drafted first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft. However, the NHL went through a lockout after the league’s implementation of a salary cap resulted in failed collective bargaining agreements before the season began. Ovechkin played with Russia Super League Dynamo Moscow, whom he had been playing for since 2001.
The lockout lasted 10 months, resulting in an entire missed season of NHL play. While it appeared as though the NHL might be locked out for an additional season, Ovechkin signed a contract with RSL Avangard Omsk. In order to maintain his NHL eligibility, he opted out of his Omsk contract in August 2005 and signed with the Capitals.
A new CBA deal was reached two days later, and the 2005 NHL season began in October.
When did Alex Ovechkin make his NHL debut?
Ovechkin made his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005, during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ovechkin scored two goals in the Capitals’ 3-2 victory, playing just 17 minutes and 32 seconds in the win.
How many seasons has Alex Ovechkin played?
Ovechkin has played 20 seasons. He is just one shy of the record of 21 NHL seasons, which is held by Brent Burns and Marc-Andre Fleury. He is also tied at 20 seasons with Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby.
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Alex Ovechkin career stats
| Stat | Total | All-time rank |
| Goals | 892 | 2nd |
| Assists | 7124 | 56th |
| Points | 1,616 | 11th |
| Rocket Richard Trophies | 9 | 1st |
