Alex Ovechkin names the only other NHL player who could rock his yellow laces and tinted visor

Alex Ovechkin recently reflected on the iconic look he sported during his 2005-06 rookie season. The Washington Capitals captain famously wore yellow laces and a mirrored, tinted visor that gave him a distinct appearance on the ice. During a recent appearance at Fanatics Fest, Ovechkin identified Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon as the only current player in the league who could pull off that same style.

While Ovechkin continues to use yellow laces today, the tinted visor was short-lived. Following complaints from goaltenders like Martin Brodeur, who argued the visor made it impossible to see his eyes, the NHL banned the look before the 2006-07 season. Ovechkin expressed lingering frustration over the rule change, pointing out that players in the NFL wear tinted visors without issue. He maintains that the focus should remain on the puck rather than a player's eyes.

Despite his legendary status and continued production, Ovechkin notes that modern players rarely experiment with their gear in the same way he did during his early years. MacKinnon remains a top-tier athlete, but he keeps his equipment strictly traditional, opting for standard tape patterns rather than flashy aesthetics. If the NHL were to lift the ban, Ovechkin would return to the mirrored visor immediately, proving that his preference for the look remains unchanged after two decades in the league.