Alex Ovechkin announced he will retire at the end of this NHL season after 22 years in the league. Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, who grew up watching Ovechkin’s rise, reflected on the news and the Russian star’s lasting impact on hockey.
Kaprizov, also from Russia, was just eight years old when Ovechkin made his NHL debut. The two have crossed paths beyond the NHL, having played in the KHL and joined informal summer sessions with the Russian national team. Their connection extends off the ice as well. Kaprizov once copied Ovechkin’s skate lacing style, including the signature yellow laces, and wore an Ovechkin jersey during the 2022 NHL All-Star Breakaway Challenge as a sign of respect.
“Ovi knows everyone. Somebody doesn’t watch hockey and knows Ovechkin. It’s really enjoyable to see how he’s still doing this,” Kaprizov said in a post from the Minnesota Wild.
Ovechkin’s career statistics remain remarkable. He has scored at a rate of 0.59 goals per game in his NHL career. Kaprizov, who has 230 goals in 397 NHL games, has maintained a similar pace of 0.58 goals per game. However, Kaprizov would need to score 699 more goals to match Ovechkin’s total, assuming Ovechkin does not add to his tally.
The two players’ relationship has evolved into friendship over the years, a bond strengthened by their shared heritage and competitive spirit. Kaprizov will have a chance to thank Ovechkin in person soon. The Wild are set to visit the Capitals on November 1, followed by the Capitals’ visit to Minnesota on March 7.
According to Yahoo Sports.