Alex Ovechkin's farewell tour is officially underway, and the tributes have started pouring in from around the NHL. Connor McDavid offered one of his own on Tuesday, though the Edmonton Oilers captain could not resist adding an honest confession about where his loyalties were as a kid.

Ovechkin announced on Monday that the 2026-27 campaign will be his last in the NHL. The Washington Capitals shared the news on social media ahead of their home opener. “My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL,” he said. “I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.”

McDavid was only 8 years old when Ovechkin broke into the league in 2005. Asked what he remembered about watching the Russian star growing up, McDavid answered with a laugh-worthy admission. “Well, I was a Sid fan, so I didn't love him,” McDavid told reporters. “But obviously amazing for what he's done in this game.”

"I was a Sid fan, so I didn't love him [when I was younger]. Obviously, amazing for what he's done in this game." 😂

Connor McDavid on his memories of Alex Ovechkin growing up. pic.twitter.com/gbpEpo0zfc

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 6, 2026

That would be Sidney Crosby, Ovechkin's longtime rival and the player he has been measured against since both entered the league in the same season. Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins defined much of Ovechkin's career, and that rivalry produced some of the most memorable hockey of the past two decades.

Still, McDavid made it clear that his childhood allegiance does not take anything away from what Ovechkin has accomplished.

“Amazing career, longevity, points, winning, whatever, you name it, he's done all of it,” McDavid said. “Really happy for him, and you want him to have a good last year to go out on a high note.”

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The resume speaks for itself. Ovechkin enters his final season with 929 goals, the most in NHL history after he passed Wayne Gretzky in April 2025. He has spent his entire career in Washington since being drafted first overall in 2004, winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 along with three Hart Trophies.

Fittingly, the schedule still has a Crosby matchup in store. Ovechkin's final regular-season home game is set for April 4, 2027, against the Penguins, giving one of the sport's great rivalries a proper send-off.

For McDavid, the kid who cheered for Crosby, that is probably a game worth watching.