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Pavel Datsyuk Makes Stunning Comments About Alex Ovechkin Ahead of Potential Retirement

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 8:49 PM ET

Former Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk has made a stunning comment on fellow Russian and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin ahead of his potential upcoming retirement from the NHL.

Washington Capitals captain and future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin became the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer this year, breaking the record set by Wayne Gretzky in 1999 by scoring his 895th goal in April against the New York Islanders.

Gretzky was on hand to cheer the historic moment and congratulated him as part of the special in-game ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

There have since been rumors swirling about Ovechkin's potential impending retirement. The Capitals were forced to correct an email sent to season-ticket holders holders saying that 2025-26 would be Ovechkin's last year in the NHL, saying no announcement has been made.

However, comments from Ovechkin's spouse seemed to support the idea that his retirement could be imminent.

Regardless, former Detroit Red Wings All-Star and newly-inducted Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk, a fellow Russian, believes that Ovechkin shouldn't retire from the NHL until he's reached 1,000 goals scored.

Talking to Match TV's Pavel Lysenkov, Datsyuk jokingly said Ovechkin won't be allowed back in his homeland until he reaches the 1,000 goal mark in the NHL.

I think everyone is waiting for Ovechkin to score his 1,000th goal in the NHL championships. Until then, we won't let him into Russia.
A new goal, the thousandth goal. This is good motivation.

During his NHL career, Datsyuk had 918 points (314G, 604A) in 953 games and won the Stanley Cup twice (2002, 2008) with the Red Wings. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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