Kaprizov: Ovechkin will finish his career as the NHL's leading sniper in all categories

Russian forward of the Minnesota Wild Kirill Kaprizov said that Alexander Ovechkin will leave the National Hockey League (NHL) as the best sniper in all categories and that all of Russia is proud of him.

On Monday, Washington Capitals forward Ovechkin announced that this season will be his last in the NHL. He holds the NHL record for most regular season goals. He has 929 goals scored; the previous league record belonged to Canadian Wayne Gretzky (894 goals). Gretzky holds the NHL record for the total number of goals in the league's regular season and the Stanley Cup (1016), Ovechkin has 1006 goals.

"He's just the best, what else can you say. He's one of the best hockey players in history, he's scored the most goals. I think this year, how many more goals will he score? I think he'll score those goals and finish his career as the top sniper in any category - overtime goals, empty net goals, five-on-five, power play. It's crazy. So many goals, he broke all the records. We, especially in Russia, are very proud of him. It’s great to play against him and with him, to be familiar with him,” Kaprizov said in a conversation with reporters, a video of which was published on the Wild’s official website.

“It seems to me that everyone knows Ovi, every country, every people. Even those who don’t watch hockey know who Ovechkin is. It’s crazy. I think it’s great to see him still playing. How old is he - 41? Crazy,” the forward added.