Alex Ovechkin injury update: New return timeline emerges on Capitals star as he chases Gretzky record

Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin will be out for the next four to six weeks, the team announced on Thursday. Ovechkin underwent further evaluation following his injury and doctors determined a fractured left fibula was the issue. Now, the Capitals will have to move forward with one of hockey’s greatest goal-scorers.

“Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin underwent further evaluation with team doctors,” the Capitals PR X account said. “It was confirmed that Ovechkin has a fracture to his left fibula and is anticipated to miss 4-6 weeks.”

“Everyone’s bummed out,” Capital winger Tom Wilson said recently. “We were sitting there saying, ‘This is weird. Like, it’s unbelievable that he’s actually hurt.’ It’s one of those things where like, he’s going to miss games? I’ve been around a long time, and it’s new to me.”

Ovechkin has been on a tear in recent weeks, bringing his season goal total to 15 to lead the league. In two games against Las Vegas and Utah, Ovechkin had five goals and was hoping for back-to-back hattricks. However, the injury took place against Utah and now sidelines him for multiple weeks.

He is chasing the NHL record previously set by Wayne Gretzky for the most goals of all time. The 39-year-old is just 27 goals away from the Great One and had a chance to break it during the 2024-2025 season.

On the short end of the timeline, Ovechkin will be back just a few days before Christmas. If six weeks winds up being the case, it will not be until the calendar flips to 2025. Everyone is hoping he can get back on the ice as soon as possible, making a good run at the record.

Washington begins their stretch of games without Ovechkin on Thursday night, facing off against the Colorado Avalanche. They currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division, only trailing the New Jersey Devils.