Alexander Ovechkin is the greatest goalscorer to ever play the game of ice hockey. But is he currently a top-50 player in the NHL? Everyone is now saying the same thing after he was listed as the 49th-best player.
The Washington Capitals had a strong regular season last year, and Alexander Ovechkin played a major role in that success. He scored 43 goals and passed Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history.
READ MORE: Alex Ovechkin’s clarification after stunning words about his future
Alexander Ovechkin at spot 49
But does that make him one of the league’s top 50 players? On TSN’s list of the 50 best players for 2025–26, Ovechkin is ranked 49th. However, according to analyst Bryan Hayes, Alexander Ovechkin does not belong on the list. On SC with Jay Onrait, Hayes explained why:
“He should not be in the top 50; he’s a legacy pick. He had an unbelievable season last year, but this season he’s not chasing Gretzky anymore, so that’s not a carrot hanging in front of him. I think he’s done in the NHL—he’s 40 years old. Other than goal scoring, he doesn’t bring much anymore. I don’t think he should be in the top 50, period,” he said.
No Elias Pettersson
And fans agree.
”The guy stands in the same spot, can’t play defense or skate worth a damn. He wouldn’t be top 50 in the AHL right now,” one fan writes.
Notably, players who missed the top 50 list include Elias Pettersson, Connor Bedard, and Lane Hutson. The rest of the rankings will be revealed as we get closer to opening night.
READ MORE: Alexander Ovechkin’s offseason form has fans cracking up
