Alexander Ovechkin is close to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL scoring record of 894 goals, but his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin complicate his legacy. While Ovechkin has recently shown a resurgence in scoring, the ongoing war in Ukraine has led to significant criticism of him in North America. His support for Putin and the potential impact on his historic achievement continue to draw scrutiny from fans and former players alike.
Alexander Ovechkin is on the brink of becoming the all-time leading scorer in NHL history this season. However, his connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin presents a significant complication.
In February, the NHL will take a brief hiatus to host a four-nation tournament, marking a return to the Olympic stage just a year ahead of the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Unlike previous years, the league will pause during the Olympics, allowing its star players to participate in the Olympic tournament. This mini-event will showcase top NHL talent from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, serving as a tantalizing preview for hockey fans in North America.
One notable player will be absent: Alexander Ovechkin, the Russian sensation from the Washington Capitals, who may very well become the highest scorer in NHL history by February.
Chasing Gretzky’s Legendary 894 Goals
This is not just any record; it is the hallmark achievement of the legendary Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the ‘Greatest of All Time’ in hockey. Known as the ‘Great One’, Gretzky remains a monumental figure in the sport, particularly in Canada, where he secured four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers. His record of 92 goals in the 1981/82 season remains unmatched, and since 1994, he has held the all-time scoring title with an incredible 894 goals to his name. After a 21-year career in the NHL, he retired in 1999, leaving behind a legacy that seems insurmountable.
Ovechkin’s Resurgence: Ten Goals in Just 14 Games
The possibility of Ovechkin surpassing Gretzky became a hot topic around Christmas Eve 2022, when he scored his 801st and 802nd goals, eclipsing Gordie Howe as the second-highest scorer in NHL history. Yet, he still needed 92 goals to break Gretzky’s record. Last season, Ovechkin managed only 31 goals, marking one of the weakest seasons of his career, with only one lower season occurring during the shortened COVID-19 campaign. As he approaches his 39th birthday, time seemed to be running out for the Russian star.
However, since the start of his 20th season in the NHL, Ovechkin has been scoring with the flair reminiscent of his prime. In a recent 8-1 victory against St. Louis, he netted two goals, bringing his total to ten goals in just 14 games. Historical performance statistics indicate that Ovechkin typically starts his seasons slowly, but it appears he recognizes the opportunity before him: he currently sits at 863 goals. If he maintains his current pace—or even reaches his career average of about 45 goals by season’s end—he could indeed become the highest scorer in NHL history.
Analysts suggest that February could be the month when Ovechkin breaks Gretzky’s record. If he does, the reactions will undoubtedly be significant. Ovechkin, who led the Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory, is a beloved figure in Washington. However, his connection to Putin adds a layer of complexity to his potential historic achievement.
The Controversial Connection: Ovechkin and Putin
“I have always supported our president; I have never hidden this,” Ovechkin declared in 2017, after launching the ‘PutinTeam’ campaign on social media, encouraging other Russian NHL players to back the president. At that time, Putin had already annexed Crimea, setting the stage for the current war against Ukraine.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ovechkin, who features a photo with Putin on his Instagram profile, offered a neutral stance, expressing hope for a swift end to the conflict. He stated he is not a politician and feels powerless to effect change, highlighting his ties to family and friends in Russia—an argument frequently used by Russian athletes facing inquiries about their political positions. Many athletes may refrain from criticizing the regime out of concern for their loved ones back home.
The ‘Russian Machine’ as a National Symbol
For Ovechkin, this form of restraint is largely unnecessary: he is the most prominent figure in Russian sports this millennium, symbolizing the strength of the nation. His famous motto, “Russian machine never breaks,” has reportedly been trademarked in Russia.
Recently, it was rumored that he received a special commendation from Putin. It seems unlikely that the Kremlin would take any action against Ovechkin or his family in Russia, should he choose to distance himself from the president.
Ongoing Criticism in the USA and Canada
Nevertheless, Ovechkin has faced significant backlash in the USA and Canada since the onset of the war, with criticism coming from fans, media, and former NHL stars like Dominik Hasek. The goaltending legend referred to Ovechkin as a “liar” for downplaying Putin after the latter’s controversial remarks about the war.
When the NHL permitted Ovechkin to take the ice with his young son during the recent All-Star game, Hasek condemned the gesture on Instagram, calling it “despicable” in light of the suffering of “thousands of Ukrainian children” affected by the conflict. As Ovechkin approaches the possibility of becoming an NHL legend, further scrutiny and comments are anticipated.