Alex Ovechkin Responds to Michael Jordan Comparisons After Record-Breaking Season

Alex Ovechkin Responds to Michael Jordan Comparisons After Record-Breaking Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin made NHL history in April by becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer, passing Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894.

Even after etching his name atop hockey’s record books, Ovechkin refuses to see himself on par with sporting legends like Michael Jordan, the consensus basketball "GOAT" and one of the greatest athletes in history across the sports universe.

Jordan, one of Ovechkin’s heroes, sent a congratulatory video message after the Russian sniper scored goal No. 895 against the New York Islanders.

“Hi, Alex, congratulations. Quite a record to break,” Jordan said, along with many other athletes from different sports who sent their messages to Ovechkin following his historic feat.

Ovechkin appreciated the gesture but dismissed any notion of being placed in the same category. He doubled down on his stance while speaking with Match TV this offseason.

“Jordan is the greatest, the same as my mother in basketball,” Ovechkin said, referencing his mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist.

When asked whether he sees himself approaching Jordan’s level, Ovechkin shut it down.

“No,” Ovechkin said. “Why elevate yourself? You have to stay grounded.”

GOAL NO. 895 FOR ALEX OVECHKIN 🚨👑 pic.twitter.com/miN550EEg1

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 6, 2025

Ovechkin, 39, is entering the final year of his contract and remains noncommittal about retirement. He called speculation “pure nonsense” and made clear that no decision has been made.

“Of course [there is no date set for his retirement],” Ovechkin said. “This is pure nonsense, which you [media] guys are starting to turn over. We’ll see.”

The Capitals star scored 44 goals in 65 games last season, bringing his career total to 897. Ovechkin added five more goals in the postseason before Washington fell in the second round of the playoffs.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.