Alex Ovechkin Calder Memorial Trophy

Lore & Background

Ovechkin was selected by the Capitals first overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft. He began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague in 2001, playing there for four seasons. In his rookie NHL season, he led all rookies in goals, points, power play goals and shots, and finished third overall in league scoring with 106 points.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the MCI Center hummed with nervous anticipation on that opening night in October. When Ovechkin skated out, wearing number eight, he didn't look like a rookie; he looked like a force of nature. The first time he wound up for his signature one-timer from the left circle, the crowd held its breath. The puck rocketed past the goalie's glove hand with a sickening crack against the net. It was a sound that would become synonymous with Washington hockey for years to come. In that moment, the city knew their wait was over.

Reader's Guide

The Calder Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL's best rookie. Ovechkin won it for the 2005–06 season. He is the third player in Capitals history to win the award.

Did You Know?

• Ovechkin is the first and only player in Washington Capitals history to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
• He finished the 2005–06 season with 52 goals and 54 assists for 106 points.
• His 425 shots that season set an NHL rookie record.