The NHL has seemingly nickel-and-dimed Alex Ovechkin’s fashion choices and individuality throughout his career, banning both his tinted visor and tucked jersey.
But now, heading into the twilight of his career, Ovechkin as well as the rest of the players’ association, will be allowed more creative freedom in how they look arriving and departing games.
Over the summer, the NHL and NHLPA signed a collective bargaining agreement extension that includes new language prohibiting teams from implementing a dress code for players. Players are only required to dress “in a manner that is consistent with contemporary fashion norms,” meaning Kyle Kuzma’s oversized pink sweaters are now apparently a go.
The elimination of a mandatory dress code would seem to be something that would potentially excite Ovechkin, the NHL’s new goals king.
A trailblazing hockey player who wears signature yellow skate laces on the ice, Ovechkin has been photographed wearing pants over his pants and once rocked Beats By Dre earbuds during warmups of the Winter Classic — an NHL first. At times though, Ovechkin has also appeared constrained by his ties, removing them emphatically in front of cameras before walking into the locker room.
When speaking to Russian media in July, Ovechkin was asked for his feelings about the abolition of the NHL’s dress code. He was unmoved.
“It makes no difference to me whether I wear jeans or a suit,” Ovechkin said in Russian per Match TV and a Google Translation. “I always feel comfortable.”
And that confidence is something no one could dispute.
The only downer of the change, the new CBA will not take into effect until the 2026-27 season, so Ovechkin would need to sign a new contract and play a 22nd season to finally receive the full freedom he’s always deserved fashion-wise.
