He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years and had earned comparisons to Mario Lemieux .
The following off - season , Ovechkin was selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals .
Ovechkin had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years and had earned comparisons to Mario Lemieux .
The following off - season , Ovechkin was selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals .