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Vladimir Putin Had Special Message For NHL Star Alex Ovechkin

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 1:43 PM ET

Russian president Vladimir Putin has officially congratulated Alexander Ovechkin on breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal-scoring record.

Ovechkin, 39, tallied his 895th NFL goal on Sunday afternoon, breaking Gretzky's previous record on a second period tally in a 4-1 road loss to the New York Islanders. A native of Moscow, Ovechkin is in his 20th season with the Washington Capitals, where he leads the team as captain.

In the past, Ovechkin has been a supporter of Putin, so it wasn't surprising to see the longest-serving Russian president since Soviet independence issue his best wishes.

"I congratulate you on an outstanding record," Putin said in a statement. "You have surpassed the legendary masters in terms of the number of goals scored in the regular season matches of the National Hockey League. In your eventful sports career, there are victories at world and national tournaments, many other bright, unique achievements that have gone down in the annals of the national hockey school.

"Without a doubt, this achievement has become not only your personal success, but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and beyond."

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 4: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates scoring his 894th career goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Ovechkin's goal ties him with Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal scoring record.(Photo by John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images)John McCreary/Getty Images

Ovechkin's current Instagram profile picture is an old photo of himself and Putin, and in 2017, he started a pro-Putin social media movement months before Russia's elections.

“He respects me as an athlete, and he respects all the athletes who represent the country,” Ovechkin said about Putin that year. “It doesn’t matter where you play, in Russia or outside Russia. If you represent country in Olympic Games, world championship or it doesn’t matter which tournament, he always [has a] good relationship with us.”

Ovechkin, who last competed internationally for Russia in 2019, has spoken out against his home country's war in Ukraine, calling for "no more war" in 2022, though obviously his comments have not affected his relationship with Putin.

According to the New York Times, Russian state television marked Ovechkin's accomplishment Monday by calling the future Hall of Famer “our pride, a Russian hockey player who made history,”

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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