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, $124-million contract with the Caps in 2009, and became the NHL's first $100-million player.