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Following the death of his father Mikhail, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin took a leave of absence from the team to return to Russia to be with family. However, the Caps may soon be joined on the ice by their captain once more.
Per ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Ovechkin is expected to return to Washington on Wednesday and will be in the lineup either Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks or Saturday against the New York Rangers.
Alex Ovechkin is expected to return to DC on Wednesday.
After a long, emotional trip, the Caps told him to take the time he needs – but sounds like he’ll be back in the lineup either Thursday or Saturday.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) February 21, 2023
Head Coach Peter Laviolette was non-committal on an exact date of Ovechkin’s return when asked about getting his captain back, however expected The Great Eight back within the week; the team is giving Ovechkin as much time necessary following the trip.
By Michael Fleetwood