The Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is set to spend an extended period away from the team as he spends time with his family attending to the health of a loved one. He will be away for the rest of the week and could be unavailable for even longer.
General manager Brian MacLellan informed the team of Ovechkin’s absence prior to a morning skate on Tuesday. While no further details have been revealed, the team is preparing for the scenario in which they have to continue without Ovechkin over the long term.
“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette stated. “He’s going to deal with some things right now and we’re going to be supportive.”
Ovechkin’s absence will be further complicated because his family is located in Russia. With no direct flights between the United States and Moscow at present, as well as travel restrictions due to the ongoing war with Ukraine, Ovechkin’s journey to his family may be challenging. This also puts his return to the United States in jeopardy.
