On June 26, 2004, the Washington Capitals made a defining decision that reshaped the franchise’s future when they selected Alexander Ovechkin as the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft. This pivotal moment at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, followed a controversial attempt by the Florida Panthers to pick Ovechkin a year earlier, cementing his arrival as the cornerstone of the Capitals.
Attending the draft were key members of the Capitals’ front office, including general manager George McPhee, owner Ted Leonsis, and Ross Mahoney. Ovechkin, accompanied by his mother Tatyana, father Mikhail, and brother, waited anxiously before embracing his family after the selection announcement and donning a black Capitals jersey showcasing the then team’s Capitol Dome logo.
Choosing Between Two Russian Stars
The decision to pick Ovechkin first was not immediate, as the Capitals’ management carefully weighed him against fellow Russian prospect Evgeni Malkin, who was ultimately selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The choice came after thorough discussions about each player’s strengths, potential impact, and playing style.
George McPhee recalled how the news of winning the top draft pick came unexpectedly during a phone call from Colin Campbell, the NHL’s Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations at the time.
I was at the practice facility at Piney Orchard,
McPhee said.
Colin Campbell called. He didn’t tell me right away but I had a feeling that he was calling me for a reason. We were talking socially for about five or six minutes. Then he went, ‘Oh by the way you won the lottery.’
—George McPhee, Former Capitals GM
Following that call, McPhee discussed the options at length with Ross Mahoney, acknowledging Malkin’s talents but ultimately favoring Ovechkin’s blend of goal-scoring ability, physicality, and enthusiasm.
On our list, we had Ovechkin and Malkin there,
McPhee explained.
I called Ross Mahoney right after the call from Collie to tell him that we won the lottery… We discussed it more, and then obviously in a lot of detail in the next coming three or four weeks because Malkin is a hell of a player. We just thought the combination of goals and physical play and enthusiasm that Ovechkin brings, he had to be the guy.
—George McPhee, Former Capitals GM
Ovechkin’s Legacy and Career Achievements
Since that moment 21 years ago, Ovechkin has become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 897 goals and counting across 20 seasons. Beyond personal records, he led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship and earned a permanent place on Washington DC Sports’ Mount Rushmore of athletes.
Ovechkin’s influence extends far beyond statistics; his presence reignited a franchise recovering from one of its worst seasons in decades. The Capitals’ ascent from struggling status to league prominence began with securing that number one draft spot, which came partly through the draft lottery system that was far less publicized and dramatic than it is today. In those days, general managers simply awaited word from league officials rather than sitting through a broadcasted draft lottery event.
The Impact Beyond the Ice and Looking Ahead
As Ovechkin enters the final year of his contract with Washington, he stands on the brink of reaching 900 career goals—an achievement no NHL player has yet accomplished. The Capitals and their fans are hopeful he can add another Stanley Cup to his résumé before deciding whether to retire in North America or move on.
Ovechkin’s drafting did not just provide the franchise with a star player; it altered its identity and inspired a new era of competitiveness and excitement for the Capitals and their supporters. His legacy remains a significant chapter in NHL history, reminding fans and players alike how a single draft pick can redefine a team’s trajectory for decades.