Alexander Ovechkin

Ovechkin, Alexander, 1985–, Russian hockey player, b. Moscow. He joined Dynamo Moscow, a professional team, at 16, and led Russia to a junior championship. A Washington Capitals first-round pick in the 2004 National Hockey League draft, the left winger scored 52 goals, 54 assists, and 106 points in 2005–6 and was named rookie of the year. In 2008 and 2009 he was named most valuable player; his peers also voted him best player. He signed a 13-year, 4-million contract with the Caps in 2009, and became the NHL's first 0-million player.