Alexander Ovechkin: The Present and the Future of the NHL

Alexander Ovechkin, perhaps the most potent offensive threat of the new NHL, is one of the greatest pure goal scorers of this era.

Ovechkin is one of the faces of the NHL right now and will be for at least the next decade. 

The number one draft pick in the 2004 NHL entry draft, Ovechkin notched 98 goals in his first two full NHL campaigns. He joined the Capitals in the 2005/06 season after playing for Dynamo in the Russian League since 2001/02.

Ovechkin has always had amazing talent; he made his Russian Superleague debut for Dynamo at the age of 16. Nobody can question Ovechkin's love for the game either. At the age of two, Alex picked up a toy hockey stick and helmet in a toy store,  and refused to leave the store without the two pieces of equipment.

After taking home the Calder Trophy for the Rookie of the Year honors in 2005/06 with 52 goals and 106 points, Ovechkin didn't miss a beat last year, scoring 46 goals and adding 46 assists for 92 points.

This year, Alex the Great hasn't been a slouch either. He currently leads the league in goals (43) and points (70).

Ovechkin showed some flashy moves in the All Star Game's shootout event in Atlanta, taking first place in the competition. This isn't surprising, however, considering the amazing goal that Alex scored last year against the Phoenix Coyotes that is now being referred to as "The Goal".

The Washington Capitals don't have to worry though, the Russian phenom won't be going anywhere for the next 13 years after they signed him to the richest NHL contract in history this year. The deal averages $9.5 million dollars per year and is worth $124 million overall.

You don't have to worry either, this young star's smiling face will be one of the face's of the NHL for many years to come.