Ovechkin won the Mark Messier Prize.

Russian Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin has won the prestigious National Hockey League (NHL) award — the Mark Messier Prize — for leadership in the 2024/25 season. This was announced on May 24 by the league's press service.

It is noted that this award is given to a player who has demonstrated "outstanding leadership qualities for his team on and off the ice" during the regular season and plays a leading role in the development of hockey.

Ovechkin became the first Russian to be awarded this prize, which has been awarded since the 2006/07 season.

"I'm proud of Ovechkin's record as a simple Russian peasant"

Eight—time champion of Russia Oleg Romantsev - about who doesn't like the strong, about Zenit and possible matches of the national team on neutral fields

Alexander Ovechkin scored his 895th goal in the NHL regular season on April 6 in a match against the New York Islanders, breaking Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals scored. Washington's owner Ted Leonsis noted on May 18 that Ovechkin had written his name into history.

On May 9, the Russian hockey player played his 158th career Stanley Cup match, surpassing the achievement of former Detroit Red Wings player Pavel Datsyuk (157) and taking fourth place among Russian hockey players in this indicator.