Evgeni Malkin breaks tradition after Alex Ovechkin’s NHL retirement announcement

In a recent statement, Kirill Kaprizov, a star player for the Minnesota Wild, commented on the impending retirement of Alex Ovechkin, a hockey legend. Ovechkin shocked the NHL when he announced his retirement at the end of the current season. Known as "Ovi," Ovechkin has played 22 seasons in the NHL, a remarkable run that saw him play alongside a generation of younger players who grew up watching him. Kaprizov, also from Russia, would have been just eight years old when Ovi made his debut in the NHL.

Both players have had a significant connection, having played together in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and sharing a line during informal summer sessions with Russia. Despite their age difference, the two have developed a close friendship over the years. Kaprizov has copied Ovi's actions, such as lacing his skates with yellow laces, which Ovi is known for. Furthermore, Kaprizov wore an Ovechkin jersey during the 2022 NHL All-Star Breakaway Challenge, honoring the Russian legend.

Kaprizov's playing style has been heavily influenced by Ovechkin, evident in his goal-scoring ability. With 230 goals in his 397 NHL games, Kaprizov maintains a goal-scoring pace of .58 goals per game, closely matching Ovi's rate of .59 goals per game. However, to surpass Ovechkin's goal tally of 699, Kaprizov would need to score an additional 469 goals, a feat that seems unlikely considering Ovi's ongoing career.

The two Russian stars will have the chance to express their appreciation for each other in person when the Wild visit the Capitals on November 1, and the Capitals return the favor on March 7.