The Capitals’ captain returned from Russia on Wednesday to prepare for Washington’s Training Camp, which starts on September 19.
Sport-Express’ Michele Antonov initially reported on Ovechkin’s travel plans, and his wife, Nastya Ovechkina, shared their journey back to the U.S. on Instagram.
Ovechkin comes back to Washington after a four-month break. He began his offseason in late May with Dynamo Moscow’s alumni game, then spent several weeks in Turkey with his family, enjoying beach volleyball and padel. Later, he participated in the “Match of the Year,” scoring a goal and earning MVP honors. Despite a minor knee injury that kept him out of Sergei Mozyakin’s farewell game, Ovechkin had planned to resume regular training in early August.
During the summer, Ovechkin also attended his youth hockey tournament, the Ovi Cup, and played in a gala match where his son Sergei scored. Before leaving, he helped present the 2024-25 MHC Dynamo Moscow junior team and met with top 2025 draft prospect Ivan Ryabkin.
Ovechkin was notably active with Russian media again this summer, discussing:
– His dislike for the preseason and off-ice workouts.
– His famous road trip diet, including Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
– His negative experience under Dale Hunter during the 2011-12 season.
– Evgeny Kuznetsov’s move from the NHL to KHL’s SKA Saint Petersburg.
– His belief that he would have already surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record if not for lockouts and the pandemic.
– His plans for after retiring from professional hockey.
– The role of alcohol in NHL locker rooms and the Capitals’ beer fridge.
– Washington’s offseason strategies and playoff ambitions.
– His desire to play his final game with KHL’s Moscow Dynamo.
Ovechkin is 42 goals away from breaking the NHL’s all-time goals record, having scored 853 goals over 19 seasons. He has two years left on his contract with the Capitals.
The Capitals have been holding informal practices at MedStar Capitals Iceplex for the past few weeks. Their first preseason game is on September 22 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Washington’s regular season will begin on Saturday, October 12, against the New Jersey Devils.
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