On July 14, Florida Panthers superstar Sergei Bobrovsky took part in the highly anticipated “Match of the Year” — a charity game between the most powerful leagues of ice hockey, Kontinental Hockey League players, and Russian NHL stars. Sharing the ice with several national teammates, including Alex Ovechkin, Bobrovsky played a key role as the NHL squad triumphed over the KHL All-Stars with a lopsided score line of 15-3.

Beyond the game itself, organizers took the opportunity to honour Alex Ovechkin for his historic milestone. On April 6, 2025, Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL goals record, in a game against Ilya Sorokin and the New York Islanders. To celebrate the achievement, Ovechkin was recognized with a tribute video featuring his career highlights and was also presented with a car, the Jetour T2.

One of the standout moments of the event came before the puck drop. During warm-ups, Bobrovsky shared a touching on-ice exchange with Ovechkin’s sons, Sergei and Ilya. In a playful gesture, Bob intentionally let in a goal from one of Ovechkin’s sons, creating a special memory for the young boys and their legendary father.

Sergei Bobrovsky’s touching gesture toward Alex Ovechkin’s sons, Ilya and Sergei, hints at a deeper connection between the two hockey icons—one that may extend beyond the rink. While their public interactions suggest a relationship rooted in professional respect, there are subtleties that point to something more personal. Bobrovsky, who hails from Novokuznetsk—a Russian city of roughly half a million—shares more than just national pride with Ovechkin.

Alex Ovechkin and Bobrovsky’s futures in the NHL under the spotlight

As the 2025–26 NHL season nears, two of Russia’s most iconic hockey figures—Alex Ovechkin and Sergei Bobrovsky—find themselves facing uncertain futures. Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, is preparing for his 21st season and the final year of his five-year deal with the Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, Bobrovsky, fresh off leading the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, approaches the end of a major contract himself. Though their roles differ, both players are navigating a pivotal phase of their careers, prompting widespread speculation about what lies ahead.

For Ovechkin, retirement rumours gained traction after the season ticket holders received an email from the Capitals’ sales team in May 2025, predicting that the upcoming season might be his last. The Capitals’ PR team swiftly responded, stating that no decision had been made regarding his post-2026 plans. Ovechkin himself downplayed the chatter. “To be honest with you, I haven’t thought about it yet,” he said. “But we’ll see what’s going to happen. Obviously, I’m going to try to do my best to be able to do well next year.” Despite his age, the 40-year-old winger remains determined to perform at the highest level.

Additional noise came when Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya, hinted at the possibility of a return to Russia, perhaps to join his beloved KHL club, Dynamo Moskva. The media quickly latched on to her comments, but Ovechkin dismissed the reports as overblown. “This is pure nonsense that (the media) flipped things and put Nastya in that position,” he told Sport-Express. Though the speculation persists, Ovechkin appears focused solely on the season ahead, leaving fans and analysts alike guessing whether this could truly be his final NHL chapter.

On the other side of the rink, Bobrovsky continues to enjoy the spotlight after guiding the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup wins. The 36-year-old goaltender signed a seven-year, $70 million contract in 2019, which is now winding down. When asked about his future after the team’s most recent Cup victory in June, Bobrovsky took a thoughtful, patient approach. “I try to stay with one moment at a time,” he said. “I just wanted to value that experience and take my time to break it down… and then think about what’s next.”

Having previously made his mark with the Flyers, Blue Jackets, and SKA Saint Petersburg, Bobrovsky’s path to NHL stardom has been long and well-earned. Though he hasn’t confirmed his next steps, many believe the Panthers will continue to count on him moving forward. As both he and Ovechkin approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, their focus remains on the present—driven by professionalism, legacy, and a deep love for the game.