On a January morning in 2019, when a 10-year-old Nathan Job was on his way to his appointment pediatric hematology clinic at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, he had no hint of the surprise he was in for. As he and the other patients waited at the clinic, a mystery delivery person came knocking at the door. It was Alex Ovechkin, and he had brought some delicious breakfast with him—the limited edition honey-nut cereal called ‘Ovi O’s’. The 6-foot-3 forward hung out at the clinic’s art table (which was clearly too small for him) as he poured milk into cereal bowls full of Ovi O’s. Young Job thoroughly enjoyed it. “I like the honey,” Job said. “It’s actually really good!” The Gr8 also made sure that each kid got their own signed cereal box. But that is not where the gesture stopped.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the limited edition cereal went to the Children’s Cancer Foundation. They were sold within hours of being stocked, raising $44,008 for the cause. After all, Ovechkin and the Capitals were fresh off a Stanley Cup win. So there was no lack of recognition or craze. Things are a little different this time around. Despite his huge personal milestone, Ovechkin is out of Stanley Cup contention.

“It’s tough obviously,” said a brooding Alex Ovechkin after the Caps were thwarted in their Stanley Cup pursuit by the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2 of the playoffs. But we all know the Gr8 isn’t one to take a loss lightly. Instead, the Russian has already noted that making a roster at 40 years old is at the top of his priority list right now. Stanley Cup or not, Ovechkin’s spirit deserves all the recognition in the world, and Mark Messier knows that.

The official NHL account shared Alex Ovechkin’s latest feat via a post on X from May 23. “Alex Ovechkin is the winner of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award!” announced the social media update. 44 goals in the 2024-25 regular season sat Ovechkin on top of the NHL’s all-time highest goalscorers’ list as he edged past the “Great One” Wayne Gretzky in April. In the playoffs, too, the Russian before the Washington Capitals crashed out of the Cup contention. But this was only one part of what made the Moscow native’s 2024-25 season memorable. In addition to surpassing Gretzky, Alex Ovechkin also tied Phil Esposito for the fifth-most hat tricks in NHL history, overtaking Jaromir Jagr for the most game-winning goals in NHL history, AND tied Gordie Howe to score 44 goals in one season at the age of 39 or older. What made these numbers even more inspiring was that Ovechkin racked them up despite missing nearly six weeks due to a fibula fracture.

But, as Ovechkin’s little meet-up with the kids at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and his contribution to childhood cancer research suggest, Ovechkin’s legacy extends beyond the ice, too. And that is also something that the honor recognized. “This award is presented annually to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey.”

Mark Messier himself was seen chatting with Alex Ovechkin in another post shared by the NHL just minutes later on X. “We’ve all been privileged to watch you over the last two years. Me, personally, to watch your growth, not only as a player, but as a leader, becoming a captain, a Stanley Cup winner. You involved everybody in the pursuit of Gretzky’s record this year. To me, that’s a testament of a great leader,” the Canadian legend admitted to Ovechkin. Ovechkin’s journey to the top of the NHL’s goal-scoring summit was personal, yes. But he made sure that the spoils of his success were not just his own.

Alex Ovechkin has proven time and again that he’s all for giving back to the community

The former hockey star takes suggestions from League personnel and the teams to shortlist the candidates who deserve the NHL Leadership Award. However, the final call is Messier’s alone. But he didn’t have to do much homework to arrive at the conclusion and hand the award to Ovechkin. Lending more momentum to Alex’s Gr8 Chase, Ovechkin, the Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer, and The V Foundation For Cancer Research partnered on “THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer”, an initiative to raise awareness on pediatric cancer research and collect funds for the same. Having started with his 885th goal, Ovechkin will continue to donate money for each goal he scores for the remainder of his career in the NHL. Makes you appreciate his resolve to make a roster at 40 even more, doesn’t it? What’s more is that his contributions will be matched by Monumental Sports & Entertainment. This is just one of the many philanthropic initiatives he has been a part of over the years.

In 2006, “Ovi’s 8s” was launched, which gives underprivileged children the chance to watch the Caps in action for free. Since then, over 6,000 children have been able to see Alex in his natural habitat via the foundation. Alex has also hosted several American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) skating sessions, along with being the main man behind a street hockey event since 2014.

Ovechkin has never been one to shy away from charitable work. His involvement in the Capitals’ Make-A-Wish efforts proves the point. In 2014, the hockey icon’s mom revealed his support for seven orphanages in Russia, even though the Washington captain wasn’t eager to make his work public.

How much does your love for Alex Ovechkin grow after learning of all of his community engagement? Tell us your adoration for the NHL sensation in a comment below.