Alex Ovechkin is nearing another significant achievement in his NHL career as he prepares for the 2025-26 season just nine games short of joining an elite group of players who have appeared in 1,500 career NHL games. Known for setting records, including surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record last season, Ovechkin’s pursuit of this milestone underscores his longevity and dedication to the sport.
Though Ovechkin might have reached this milestone during the 2024-25 season, a broken leg suffered in November sidelined him for 16 games, delaying the achievement. Speaking recently with Match TV, he reflected on the significance of reaching 1,500 games despite frequently being asked about his personal milestones.
No, it’s part of my profession, my life,
Ovechkin said, as translated via Google Translate.
You just get used to it, you’re ready for it. It’s clear that playing 1,500 games for one team is worth a lot. Very few players in the entire league have played that many, so this figure will be very important for me.
Standing Among NHL Veterans in Career Games Played
Currently, Ovechkin ranks 17th all-time for games played among forwards and aims to become the 16th forward ever to play 1,500 NHL games. Among active players, he leads all forwards, with Anze Kopitar trailing close behind at 1,454 games. Brent Burns is the only active player overall ahead of Ovechkin, with 1,497 games; Burns recently signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche and could reach the milestone before Ovechkin.
Ryan Suter, who reached 1,500 games last season with the St. Louis Blues, remains unsigned this summer and is reportedly undecided about continuing his career. Ovechkin has been transparent about his ambition to hit the 1,500-game mark, ranking it just below surpassing the all-time goal record in personal importance.
I want to play 1,500 games in the NHL,
Ovechkin said last summer.
I don’t remember how many I have now. I can get there in two seasons. I already have the most games among Russian players in the NHL. I think that’s a great achievement. And this is for one club – only I and [Evgeni Malkin] have that.
The Historical Context of Ovechkin’s Upcoming Milestone
Achieving 1,500 NHL games would place Ovechkin among a rare group of European skaters, making him only the fourth from Europe to reach this threshold. He would join Jaromir Jagr (1,733 games), Zdeno Chara (1,680), and Nicklas Lidstrom (1,564) in this exclusive club. Continuing to play next season could see Ovechkin enter the NHL’s top 10 for games played; reaching 59 games would secure him at least ninth place overall, with 1,555 games potentially moving him even higher.
While Ovechkin has not confirmed plans beyond the 2025-26 season—the last year of his current contract with the Washington Capitals—he has kept the option open to extend his career. This milestone may represent a final significant chapter in a storied tenure with the Capitals and in the NHL.
Implications and What the Future Holds for Ovechkin
Ovechkin’s nearness to 1,500 NHL games is a testament to his durability, consistency, and commitment to one franchise over many years. Reaching this milestone will highlight not only his physical endurance but also his impact as one of hockey’s greatest players. The milestone will likely be celebrated by fans and peers alike, reinforcing his legacy in the league.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, attention will turn to whether Ovechkin can add to his career games total and perhaps extend his record-breaking tenure. His pursuit of this milestone, alongside his goal-scoring legacy, illustrates the continued relevance and determination of one of hockey’s all-time greats.