Exactly 21 years after making his NHL debut, Alexander Ovechkin announced his retirement in a statement on the Washington Capitals website.
“My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” Ovechkin wrote in his statement on Oct. 5.
Ovechkin continued, “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision. It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”
At the end of this season Ovechkin will have played 22 seasons in the NHL, all with the team who drafted him, the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin was drafted in 2004 but started his NHL career in 2005 when the 2004-2005 NHL lockout ended. He and Sidney Crosby both started the 2005-2006 season as the first overall pick, sparking the rivalry that would define the NHL for decades.
In his first season, Ovechkin scored 52 goals and had 54 assists, giving him a combined 106 points that season. He also led the NHL in shots on goal with 425 shots and won the Calder Memorial Trophy, also known as NHL Rookie of the Year.
Ovechkin holds the most goals in NHL history, most NHL goal scoring titles, most goals scored by a left wing in a career, most goals scored on the road in a career, most goals scored by a left wing in a season, most goals by a Russian-born player, most career power-play goals, most career game-opening goals, most career game-winning goals, most career overtime goals, fastest overtime goal, most goals scored in a single venue, along with others.
In terms of shots, Ovechkin holds the records for most shots on goal by a left wing in a season, most shots on goal by a rookie in a season and most career shots on goal.
In points, he holds the records for most points scored by a left-wing rookie, most regular season points by a Russian-born NHL rookie, most points by a Russian-born player and most points by a left winger.
When asked about when he decided to retire, Ovechkin said, “This summer, obviously,” Ovechkin continued, “But as soon as I saw the moves that we made, the roster, it kind of gave me and my family like, ‘Okay, one more time, and we’re going to fight for a Cup.’”
With all his accolades, Ovechkin’s mark on the NHL will not be forgotten for generations to come.
