LeBron James Salutes Alex Ovechkin for Breaking NHL Goals Record

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 4:35 AM ET

Alex Ovechkin has officially become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. On Sunday, the Washington Capitals forward netted his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary mark.

Ovechkin scored the historic goal on a power play during the second period against the New York Islanders. The Russian winger netted his 895th goal in his 1,487th NHL game—the exact number Gretzky played during his career.

T he moment brought the game to a halt for more than 15 minutes with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky himself in attendance.

Later, congratulatory videos from sports icons around the world began rolling in—including one from the Los Angeles Lakers forward and NBA superstar LeBron James.

LeBron knows a thing or two about record-setting moments @KingJames congratulates The Great 8 on becoming the NHL's all-time leader in goals! #Gr8ness pic.twitter.com/8A2AV7VXgJ
— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2025

“Alex! Congratulations, man on being the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer,” LeBron said. “It’s an unbelievable accomplishment. And I know when reaching any type of goal or any type of feat, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, and you’re a byproduct of that.

“From one guy to the next, super, super grateful to be able to witness some of your greatest moments. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. To The Great 8—congratulations, well deserved, and salute to you, brother.”

The clip was part of a star-studded compilation released after Ovechkin's milestone, which included messages from Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Derek Jeter.

Ovechkin later called the moment “crazy” and said he would need time to process what it meant to be No. 1.

The goal, assisted by longtime teammate Tom Wilson, was Ovechkin’s 42nd of the season and came from his personal office at the left circle of the ice.

The 39-year-old now holds 14 career 40-goal seasons, 325 power-play goals, and nine Rocket Richard Trophies, and calls himself the only player in league history with 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons—all with Washington.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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