Is Alex Ovechkin playing in the Olympics? Why Russia legend isn't part of NHL players at these Games

Alex Ovechkin is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer.

Despite that, the Washington Capitals legend is absent from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

It's certainly a bummer for hockey fans who just want to see the Great 8 play on the biggest stage in the sport one more time.

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Is Alex Ovechkin playing in the Olympics?

No, Ovi is not playing in the Olympics.

That's because Russia isn't at the games at all.

The International Olympic Committee has kept Russia out of competition since their invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian hockey team would've been one of the top-three contenders for a medal, along with the United States and Canada.

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The Olympics are pretty much the only thing Ovechkin has never won in his career. He has medaled at multiple world championship tournaments but never the Olympic Games.

Instead of playing at the Olympics, Ovechkin is getting a breather. 

At his age, it probably doesn't hurt to recharge the batteries for a few weeks before trying to lead the Caps from outside a playoff position to into one. 

For now, though, the Olympics are without the player who has scored more goals in NHL history than any other.

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