Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has added another milestone to his storied career, winning the 2024-25 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. This honor is given to the player who demonstrates exceptional leadership on and off the ice, as well as a significant impact in the community—qualities that Mark Messier himself selects each year.
Ovechkin’s 20th NHL season was historic, as he broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing all-time goals record, finishing the campaign with 897 goals—three more than Gretzky’s legendary mark. Despite a fractured fibula that sidelined him for nearly six weeks, Ovechkin still managed to tie for third in the NHL with 44 goals at age 39, a feat matched only by Gordie Howe at that age.
Off the ice, Ovechkin’s influence has transformed youth hockey in the Washington area, with player participation surging by 71% over two decades and initiatives like the “Future Caps – Learn to Play” program introducing thousands of kids to the sport. His charitable efforts, including donations for every goal scored and programs for underserved children, have further cemented his legacy as a community leader.
With the Capitals securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2017, Ovechkin’s leadership—recognized by Messier and celebrated by fans—continues to shape both the franchise and the broader hockey world.
