iStockphoto / Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
Alex Ovechkin next to a police officer writing a speeding ticket
Alex Ovechkin is around a month away from kicking off his 22nd (and possibly final) year in the NHL. He headed back to his native Russia following the conclusion of the most recent season, and he was not particularly concerned with the country’s traffic laws based on how many violations he was dinged for during his time there.
At this point, Alex Ovechkin doesn’t have anything left to prove as he nears the end of an NHL career that will undoubtedly make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
In 2025, he scored his 895th goal to break the all-time record that was previously held by Wayne Gretzky, and his career total currently sits at 929.
Ovechkin won the Stanley Cup in 2018 (and the Conn Smythe in the process) is a 13-time All-Star who’s led the league in goals on ten occasions and was the unanimous MVP in back-to-back years by winning the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in 2008 and 2009 (he also won the former again in 2013 and the latter for a thrid straight time in 2010).
Many people thought the 2025-26 season could be his last, but the man who’s just a few weeks away from turning 41 years old signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Capitals in July ahead of what will be his 22nd season.
He certainly wasn’t hurting for money before inking that new deal, and it’s safe to say he’s not too worried about what he had to pay to settle the dozens of fines he managed to accrue over some questionable driving during the offseason.
Alex Ovechkin spent four months in Russia during the offseason and earned 33 different traffic violations
Ovi was born in Russia and grew up outside of Moscow, and he has traditionally headed back home for the offseason since making his NHL debut in 2005.
He tends to keep a pretty low profile, although he did make an appearance at a bar where he had a standing invitation for a beer while surprising fans who gathered there in July.
He’s also the father of two young sons, and he has apparently entered his Minivan Era when you consider his go-to vehicle when he’s back in Russia is an Aurus Arsenal, which is admittedly a bit flashier than what most parents are driving to drop their kids off at hockey practice.
We know that’s his whip courtesy of a report from Mash Sport, which says Ovechkin committed 33 different traffic violations while driving it during the four months he spent in Russia during the offseason.
REPORT#ALLCAPS Alexander Ovechkin got 33 traffic fines during his Russian summer vacation.
Per Mash Sport TG (translated): pic.twitter.com/13cW2ppTnK
— Jeremy Garrett HNH (@HockeyNewsHub) August 24, 2026
The violations included speeding, driving on a toll road without paying, stopping in places you’re not allowed to, and failing to pay parking fines, and they collectively ran him 82,000 rubles.
However, that’s a drop in the bucket for a man who made over $170 million in NHL earnings alone, as it’s only around $980 (a number that includes one ~$50 fine he’s yet to pay).