Can Ovechkin Catch Gretzky This Season?

September 17, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

Alex Ovechkin turns 39 years old today, and he is on the cusp of breaking one of the NHL’s most revered records. Ovechkin currently has 853 goals over the course of his 19-year NHL career. Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One," ended his illustrious career with 894 goals when he retired in 1999.

Over the past few seasons, Ovechkin has continued his goal-scoring prowess, inching closer to Gretzky’s record each year. The question of "Can Ovechkin pass Gretzky?" has turned into "When will Ovechkin pass Gretzky?" If Ovechkin can score 42 goals this season, he will claim one of the most impressive records in professional sports.

Ovechkin has been the face of the Washington Capitals ever since he was selected No. 1 overall in 2004. After winning the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) and scoring 52 goals in his rookie season, it wasn’t long before he was regarded as one of the greatest players in the world. Known as "The Great Eight," Ovechkin is widely considered one of the best goal scorers in NHL history. His wicked-fast, deadly-accurate shot has terrorized opposing goaltenders for years, with his signature weapon being a one-timer on the power play. His perfectly timed slap shot from the left circle is nearly unstoppable. It’s responsible for hundreds of his goals and one of the reasons he owns the NHL record for most power-play goals.

Now, at 39, he begins what could be his final NHL season. Ovechkin has two years left on his current contract with the Capitals, but if he breaks the record this season, he may choose to retire. He’s had a long and storied career, but last season his age began to show. He scored 31 goals, his lowest total in a non-strike-shortened season of his career. However, this 30-goal campaign marked his 18th, setting a record for the most 30-goal seasons in NHL history. After a slow start last season, Ovechkin went on a torrid stretch, netting 18 goals in 24 games during the second half. He still has the ability to score at a high rate, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him break the record this year.

Ovechkin is also one of the oldest players in the league and has watched teammates like Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie struggle with injuries as they’ve aged. Part of Ovechkin’s success in scoring has been his ability to stay healthy. Though he has missed more games due to injury in recent years, he’s avoided major injuries throughout his career.

The 2024-25 NHL season gets underway in less than a month, and the intrigue is higher than ever. Connor McDavid returns to the ice to begin his quest for a Stanley Cup, while teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators look to break lengthy postseason droughts. Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 pick in 2024, will make his debut for the San Jose Sharks, and Steven Stamkos will suit up for the Nashville Predators after leaving Tampa Bay. But the biggest storyline going into the season is: Can Ovechkin pass "The Great One?" If he can, Ovechkin will solidify his place as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history and one of the sport's all-time greats.