Ovechkin Game-Used Gear Quickly Climbing in Value

It’s not surprising that Ovechkin’s game-used gear is climbing in value. I mean, why wouldn’t it? The Great 8 has been a consistent superstar each year he’s been in the league. However, the rate of climb is somewhat of an eye-opener.

On Friday, Ovechkin’s jersey from his first NHL game sold at auction for $14,340. Ovechkin only wore the jersey during pre-game warmups and in the first period of his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct 5, 2006. The jersey was initially sold for $7,929 when it first was offered by the NHL in 2005. Not a bad return on investment over a ten-year period.

The winning bid also received a Washington Capitals opening night program signed by (6) including Jeff Freisen, Brent Johnson, Brooks Laich, Brian Willsie, Dainius Zubrus and (2) tickets from that night (both present NM condition); an “Alex Ovechkin: A Calder Trophy Tribute” DVD and a copy of the game notes including rosters for the contest. The winning bidder also receives the original sales receipt from the 2005 purchase.

Frame Of Reference
A regular season Ovechkin jersey from the 2011-2012 season is currently for sale through the MeiGray Group for $7,995. The jersey, an alternate third white, was wore for a couple of games in April of 2012.

A similar alternate third jersey from the 2013-2014 season is also available through the MeiGray Group for 7,500.

A jersey from last season, the new home red alternate jersey can also be purchased from the MeiGray Group for $7,995. The Capitals wore their Third Set 2 jerseys from February 4, 2016 through April 7, 2016. The Ovechkin jersey has 2 team repairs on each sleeve and has been customized with 2 additional fight straps added to the interior of the jersey. The cuffs of each sleeve have been tightened.

Winter Classic Gear
Also currently on the market, is Ovi’s Winter Classic helmet, originally auctioned off for $2,000, is now priced at $11,000, a 500% increase in just a couple of years.

This is the actual helmet that Ovechkin wore the entire game on Jan 1st 2015 for the Winter Classic. He also wore the helmet on April 11, 2015 against the NY Rangers for the final game of the regular season. The helmet shows heavy use, comes with a MeiGray/Capitals team LOA and is photo matched.

It remains to be seen if the seller will get his asking price, but it will almost certainly sell for a significant profit.

Other Gear
Other Ovechkin game used gear has also seen a quick escalation in value. An Ovechkin game used stick typically sells for around a minimum of $1,500,. This is a 300% increase since 2008 when Ovi game-used sticks were averaging $500 (+/-). A pair of Ovechkin’s game used skates also goes for around $1,500.

Something a little more affordable? You can purchase a set of Oveckin game-used gloves for a mere $1,250. These gloves were worn by Alex Ovechkin during the 2012-16 NHL seasons. “GR8” is stitched on each glove. The number ‘8’ is handwritten on each palm.

By Jon Sorensen