NHL: Washington Capitals at Utah - Source: Imagn — Alex Ovechkin injury: Insider shares optimistic update on Capitals star's return (Image Credit: Imagn)

Alex Ovechkin injury: Insider shares optimistic update on Capitals star's return

Modified Dec 20, 2024 16:11 GMT

Alex Ovechkin has been injured since Nov. 18. The Washington Capitals star was having a tremendous year scoring the puck before getting hurt, and he was facing a long road to getting back on the ice. However, a new update suggests that he could be closer to a return than anyone realizes.

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Per reporter Tom Gulitti, Ovechkin was spotted on the ice this morning. Not only was the star player out there, but he was the first player on the ice for the optional morning skate. He also did not have the non-contact jersey, which indicates he's ready to practice as normal.

That usually means a return is nigh. It could still be a few games before Ovechkin can play at game speed, but the Capitals feel that he does not need to be avoided in practice and can take the normal hits now. That's a big development in his rehab.

Despite losing Ovechkin for a month now, the Capitals have the second-most points in the Eastern Conference, trailing the New Jersey Devils by a single point. They have the fourth-most (44) in the entire NHL.

Alex Ovechkin's coach gives timeline update

Alex Ovechkin has been recovering from a broken left fibula suffered in mid-November. The initial timeline was four to six weeks before he could get back on the ice. Based on the latest update, he's right in line with that early assessment.

Alex Ovechkin is nearing a return to the Capitals (Imagn)

Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery believes Ovechkin could be back on the ice soon. Via USA Today, he said:

"We sort of see how the next 48 hours go and see if there's a potential of him playing one of them, LA or Boston (Sunday at home or Monday on the road). I'm not giving a percentage or anything like that, but he's getting real close."

While it's far from guaranteed, there is a chance Ovechkin returns over the weekend or early next week against either the Los Angeles Kings or the Boston Bruins. Either way, Ovechkin should be back sooner rather than later, and if he's skating in practice, it will be sooner.