Alex Ovechkin Faces Questions on Potential to Hit 1,000 Career Goals Milestone
Alex Ovechkin’s impressive start to the 2025-26 NHL season has ignited discussions about his potential to reach the monumental milestone of 1,000 career goals. The 40-year-old winger recently hit his 900th goal on November 5 against the St. Louis Blues and has been on fire since then, netting 11 more goals in 17 games.
Ovechkin’s Scoring Pace
Ovechkin’s recent performance places him on a trajectory for over 52 goals in an 82-game season. So far this season, he has accumulated 14 goals, bringing his career total to 911. His scoring pace raises questions about reaching 1,000 career goals, a feat only a select few athletes have achieved.
Future Aspirations
When asked about the possibility of hitting the 1,000-goal milestone, Ovechkin expressed his current focus on enjoying the game rather than fixating on personal records. “I just play and enjoy the game,” he said in a recent interview. This sentiment also reflects his commitment to the present season without distractions regarding his future beyond this year.
Projected Goals and Career Longevity
Ovechkin is projected to finish the current season with around 38 goals, which would increase his career tally to 935. To achieve the 1,000-goal landmark, he may need at least two additional seasons in the NHL, averaging about 32.5 goals each year.
Contract and KHL Aspirations
As he is currently unsigned past this season, Ovechkin has indicated he won’t discuss his career beyond this season until it concludes. Furthermore, he has expressed a desire to play his final days with Dynamo Moscow in the KHL.
- Current Goals This Season: 14
- Career Goals: 911
- Projected Finish This Season: 935
- Goals Needed to Reach 1,000: 89
- Required Average Over Two Seasons: 32.5 goals
Other Record Pursuits
Beyond the 1,000-goal milestone, Ovechkin has several other records in sight. He aims to surpass Wayne Gretzky in multi-goal games and NHL goals during both regular season and playoffs. Additionally, he is just 241 hits away from breaking the all-time hits record, currently held by Cal Clutterbuck.
Ovechkin remains third on the all-time hits list with 3,788, trailing only Matt Martin and Clutterbuck. His relentless drive to excel keeps fans eager to follow his journey throughout the season.
