On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin did something that, just a few years ago, no hockey fan ever thought was possible. He broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in an NHL career.
Both the record-tying #894 and breaking #895 goals came from OV’s signature spot on the ice—at the top of the faceoff circle to the right of his victimized goaltender. Both tallies were witnessed by the now-former record holder Gretzky, NHL leadership, and packed arenas full of fans hoping to get a glimpse of history.
As expected, the moment set off a flurry of activity around the new goal king as memorabilia companies rushed to create commemorative products. Funko immediately announced a presale of a pending celebration figure, with an expected delivery date in December. Meanwhile, Upper Deck issued a digital card through its e-Pack program, which is expected to be printed later this season. They also created a building program where collectors can level up accumulated cards to get a dual-signed card featuring Ovechkin and Gretzky ultimately.
The new product hype, however, is exceeded by interest from collectors in the items already in their collections or those that their associates may list for sale. Buzz for OV cards was seen in Facebook groups and other collector forums, usually reserved for new hot prospects like the Connor Bedard hype one year ago.
Start a Gr8 Collection
Barring an unforeseen circumstance that would detract from Ovechkin’s legacy, his memorabilia isn’t likely to see a fall soon. OV’s current contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, and with his Herculean efforts this season, which include 42 goals and 69 points in just 61 games played (as of Wednesday, April 9), it’s entirely conceivable that another contract will follow. If that happens, the 1,000-goal watch will drive even more collector attention to the Great 8.
With that in mind, it’s hard not to get in on the hype train now and invest in OV. Our Price Guide, which lists more than 61,000 Ovechkin sales, shows just how much interest there is in the Russian superstar. Narrowing the field down to eight highlight items (because jersey numbers matter) is no easy task, but we’ve selected some of the must-haves on your want list.
Here’s What You Need
2005-06 Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns—Ever since Upper Deck started releasing hockey cards, the Young Guns subset theme has commanded collector attention like no other rookie card. Even in modern-era releases featuring serial numbering, autographs, and memorabilia swatches, these cards command the most attention. High-grade copies can sell in the five figures, while raw (ungraded) cards can be found for under $1,000.
2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup—Now, we contrast the Young Guns card with the most expensive Alexander Ovechkin card. Ninety-nine copies of this card feature a game-used patch swatch and an autograph from the then-budding superstar. Several copies of this highly-coveted card have hit the auction floor, including one graded 10 Gem Mint by PSA, which garnered over $180,000 in a Goldin auction in 2023.
Record-breaking game ticket—While most sports and entertainment venues have gone paperless and removed physical tickets from production, the UBS Arena isn’t among them. The New York Islanders’ home venue played host to Ovechkin’s record-breaking performance, and sharp collectors swiftly put copies of the coveted ducat on eBay. One seller netted $500 for his piece of history, which was in magnificent condition, thanks to ticket-takers scanning fans in rather than ripping a stub.
The Gr8 Chase bobblehead—The Washington Capitals took the bobblehead up a notch when they enhanced it to pursue NHL record glory. This collectible includes a counter that keeps fans engaged with the figure rather than letting it sit and collect dust. According to one eBay seller, these counters often come stuck, so beware of non-functioning pieces when buying.
The Goal signed photo—Inevitably, OV will sign hundreds upon thousands of photos from his record-setting goal and diving celebration, but this piece will arguably live on with more immortality. This picture is from Ovechkin’s rookie season and is well known simply as “The Goal,” as the scoring champ potted one while sliding on his back toward the net. Not entirely uncommon or highly valuable, these photos are a perfect collectible for display.
Ovechkin vs. Crosby puck—Like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby reignited the NHL, which desperately needed new heroes after a full-season lockout. The young superstars remained rivals after their first season, but the pair is friendlier than heated foes. Several collectibles featuring the pair are on the market, but this may be the most unique, as it’s a giveaway from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Stanley Cup ornament—The winter holidays and hockey go hand-in-hand (or mitt-in-mitt if you prefer), so it’s not surprising that Hallmark has long produced NHL ornaments for the most wonderful time of the year. While most are action-oriented, this Ovechkin piece captures a celebration—the Capitals captain holding the coveted Stanley Cup above his head. This piece is not entirely valuable, but it displays brilliantly.
Budweiser Zero of 895—Give Budweiser credit for this superb piece. After Ovechkin completed his goal record, the “King of Beers” crafted a special release for the 28 goaltenders that OV didn’t score on. Curtis Joseph was among those who showed off the gifts online. While none of the cans have hit the market yet, these could end up being auctions with a charitable cause as the beneficiary.
Of course, these are just the starting point for any Alexander Ovechkin collection. Countless other pieces, high or low in value, should be part of your pursuit list. Start your search with our Price Guide as your value map now!
Jon Waldman is a Winnipeg-based writer. He has written for Beckett, Go GTS, Canadian Sports Collector, and several other hobby outlets over his two decades in the hobby. His experience also includes two books on sports cards and memorabilia. Connect with Jon on Twitter at @jonwaldman.
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