On this day 21 years ago, the Washington Capitals made what would become the most pivotal decision in franchise history—selecting Russian sensation Alex Ovechkin with the No. 1 overall pick at the 2004 NHL Draft. The move, which altered the trajectory of the franchise and the sport itself, is still celebrated by fans and analysts alike as a moment of unmatched foresight.
Held at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, the 2004 NHL Draft was a defining event for the Capitals. General manager George McPhee, owner Ted Leonsis, and scouting director Ross Mahoney were on hand to make the monumental selection. Meanwhile, Ovechkin, then a highly touted teenager, sat in the stands with his parents and brother, waiting for his name to be called.
Once McPhee stepped to the podium and called Ovechkin’s name, the young forward embraced his family, walked to the stage, and proudly donned a black Capitals jersey adorned with the Capitol Dome logo. It was a symbolic start to a career that would reshape the NHL landscape.
TSN analyst Pierre McGuire provided an early glimpse into what made Ovechkin special, describing his “tremendous escapability,” “explosive speed,” and elite “defensive awareness.” Time would prove McGuire’s analysis more than accurate.
Now, 20 NHL seasons later, Ovechkin holds the record for the most goals in league history with 897, boasts a Stanley Cup championship, and has become an enduring symbol of DC sports excellence.
Interestingly, the Capitals had to overcome significant odds to land the No. 1 pick. After enduring one of their worst seasons in decades, Washington leapfrogged both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks in the draft lottery. Unlike today’s high-drama, TV-produced lottery shows, the announcement came quietly. McPhee found out via a casual phone call from Colin Campbell, then the NHL’s Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations.
Despite the obvious talent, the Capitals’ decision wasn’t automatic. Evgeni Malkin, another Russian standout, was also a strong candidate. According to McPhee, the team carefully weighed both prospects before ultimately deciding Ovechkin’s goal-scoring prowess, physical style, and infectious energy made him the right choice.
That judgment has proven more than sound. While Malkin has had a stellar career of his own, Ovechkin has outpaced him in goals and points, becoming the heart and soul of the Capitals.
As Ovechkin prepares to enter the final season of his contract—and potentially eclipse 900 career goals—the impact of that 2004 draft moment remains undeniable. It’s not just a great memory; it’s the day a legend was born
