Laviolette Provides Update On Ovechkin, Potential Timeline For Return

The Washington Capitals are continuing to operate without the services of captain Alex Ovechkin, though the team is hopeful that they could see him back sooner rather than later.

Head coach Peter Laviolette provided an update on the 37-year-old, who returned home to Russia to be with family following the death of his father, Mikhail. Ovechkin is away from the team indefinitely, and though Laviolette hasn't spoken with Ovechkin, he said there is the potential for him to be back in the near future.

"I'm hoping this week," Laviolette said after Monday's practice. "I haven't communicated with him. We'll see. He's dealing with stuff at home."

Washington has last its last four games, with three of those coming without Ovechkin. The team has lost the last seven games overall without No. 8 dating back to last season, and since 2021-22, have won just one of nine games when Ovechkin is out of the mix.

Through 54 games this season, Ovechkin has 32 goals and 22 assists for 54 points. He is the team's leading scorer and is also at 812 career goals, which is 83 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record.

The Capitals will have three games at home before embarking on a lengthy road trip starting Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. Washington will host the Detorit Red Wings on Tuesday.