Alex Ovechkin took home some hardware at the 2025 ESPYS.
Ovechkin won the award for “Best Record-Breaking Performance” after becoming the NHL’s new all-time goals leader during the 2024-25 season. Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s previous record of 894 after he scored the 895th goal of his career against the New York Islanders on April 6. He scored twice more in the final week of the season and heads into his 21st NHL season with 897 tallies, three away from being the only player in NHL history to reach the 900 goal plateau.
Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano was the presenter of the award, taking the stage with Brooks Nader, a Sports Illustrated model. Logano was a good choice as he was a talented ice hockey player as a kid before fully putting his focus into racing.
“And the ESPY goes to… ,” Logano said as he opened the envelope, “Alexander Ovechkin.”
“Alex couldn’t be here tonight, but he sends this message,” Nader added.
ESPN then played a video on stage where Ovechkin appeared to read a prepared message.
“Hey, everyone,” Ovechkin said. “I’m sorry I can’t be there, but I’m back home and getting ready for next season. I just want to say a huge thanks to all the fans. Your support means everything to me and my family. To my coaches and teammates, and the entire Capitals organization, thank you for all your support. We accomplish something special this season and we did it together. A special thank you to Wayne Gretzky and his family for always being there for me and to my wife, kids, and whole family, thank for your everything. See you soon, guys. Take care.”
Ovechkin was one of only two NHL players to take home awards. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers took home the ESPY for “Best NHL Player.” Ovechkin won ESPYs for “Best NHL Player” earlier in his career.
This year’s award show was hosted by comedian Shane Gillis at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
