Washington Capitals’ coach Spencer Carbery provided fans with a big sigh of relief on Thursday afternoon.
This week, captain Alex Ovechkin left the Washington training camp ice early on day one for an injury evaluation surrounding an undisclosed lower-body injury. The all-time goals leader in the league, having just surpassed NHL legend Wayne Gretzky’s 894 in April 2025, is entering his 21st season. Ovechkin is also 40 years old and entering the age where rumors of his retirement are beginning to swirl.
However, it appears the reason behind his early departure from practice is nothing too serious.
Alex Ovechkin Fans Told Training Camp Limitations Are Precautionary
The left wing battling injuries is nothing new for the Washington faithful, as this is Ovechkin’s second consecutive year nursing an injury. He broke his leg during the 2024-25 season, which kept him out of 16 games.
However, Carbery told Capitals reporters that Ovechkin’s latest injury is insignificant and that his not skating the full practice time was simply precautionary.
Ovechkin’s injury is “nothing significant,” per Carbery. Said that him not skating was precautionary.
No big concern. Lower-body, day-to-day
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) September 18, 2025
Carbery also elaborated that Ovechkin is considered “day-to-day,” which is a positive development as training camp continues and the 2025-26 season draws nearer.
Ovechkin has tallied a whopping 897 goals and 726 assists for 1623 regular-season points. He also chipped in 77-70-147 through 161 playoff games, adding a Stanley Cup in 2017-18 and a Conn Smythe as the Finals MVP.
Alex Ovechkin left the ice today at training camp to be evaluated for a lower-body injury pic.twitter.com/brQTdupIDg
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 18, 2025
The previously mentioned captain started in the league in 2004. Washington drafted him as the No. 1 pick, and he has remained on the Capitals’ roster ever since.
Ovechkin is also predicted to hit another career milestone fairly soon as the league’s upcoming season begins; the veteran left wing will likely become the first player in league history to score 900 goals; he currently sits at 897.
Read More: NHL Rumors: Sidney Crosby Wants Penguins to Follow Alex Ovechkin’s Capitals’ Game Plan
In 2024-25, Washington finished the season as the top seed in the Metro Division. The Capitals’ 111 points were also enough to lead the entire conference, meaning they then drew a first-round matchup against the Montreal Canadiens; they beat them in five games. Washington was then eliminated in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Capitals are on their season on October 8, 2025, against the Boston Bruins, which also happens to be their home opener at Capital One Arena.
