Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin made a major step forward on Monday as he dropped his non-contact jersey at practice, signaling a key milestone in his recovery. The 40-year-old superstar is coming off a lower-body injury and is now cleared for full contact, a positive sign for the Capitals as they prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season opener on October 8.
Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin injury update: First contact since training camp
Ovechkin left the ice on the first day of training camp on September 18 for evaluation of his lower-body injury. Monday’s session marked the first time the
NHL legend practiced without restrictions, sparking optimism for Capitals fans and analysts. His return to full-contact practice also allows the team to plan line combinations and power-play strategies better ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Last season, Ovechkin scored 44 goals and tallied 73 points in 65 games, surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Entering the 2025-26 season, he is just three goals shy of the 900-goal milestone, putting him on track for another historic achievement.
Capitals Pre-Season action: Alex Ovechkin’s readiness and Sonny Milano injury updates
The Capitals have three remaining pre-season games, which will be crucial for assessing Ovechkin’s readiness and overall team chemistry. Known for his scoring consistency and durability, Ovechkin has only had one season under 30 goals in his 21-year NHL career—the 2020-21 pandemic-shortened season. With 1,491 career games played and 1,623 points, he remains a cornerstone of Washington’s offense and a major influence in the locker room.
Forward Sonny Milano, however, missed Monday’s practice with an upper-body injury unrelated to last season’s issue, according to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti. The Capitals’ medical staff continues to closely monitor both players to ensure they enter the regular season healthy and competitive.
Ovechkin’s return to full-contact practice provides a significant boost for the Capitals’ 2025-26 season prospects. Fans and fantasy hockey enthusiasts will be watching closely as he chases the 900-goal milestone, aiming to add another historic chapter to his legendary career. With pre-season games underway, all eyes remain on Ovechkin to see how he carries his scoring prowess into another potentially record-breaking season.
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Read MoreNikita Patnaik is a sports writer who covers the NFL and NHL, sharing the games in a way that draws readers in. With five years of writing experience and a year covering the NFL and NHL specifically, she transforms stats, plays, and locker room moments into clear, engaging stories. Holding an M.Sc. in Geology, Nikita combines analytical thinking with her passion for sports. Off the field, she enjoys dancing, playing basketball, exploring art and craft, and immersing herself in suspense and horror movies—finding inspiration that fuels her creativity. Through her words, readers can feel the highs, lows, and quiet intensity of each game.
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