Alex Ovechkin Listed as Day-to-Day With Injury
The Washington Capitals captain is sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
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Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has been listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The 41-year-old veteran did not participate in team activities following the preseason opener against Boston.
Why it matters
Ovechkin is entering his 22nd NHL season and serves as the centerpiece of the Washington offense. His availability is a primary concern as the team approaches its regular-season schedule.
Ovechkin finished the 2025-26 campaign with 32 goals and 32 assists over 82 games played. He is currently 41 years old and is preparing for his 22nd year in the league.
The players
Alex Ovechkin
He is a 41-year-old veteran forward entering his 22nd NHL season with the Washington Capitals.
Washington Capitals
This is a professional hockey organization based in the Washington area that plays in the National Hockey League.
The details
A team spokesman announced the injury update after Ovechkin missed the preseason opener against Boston on September 20 and skipped practice on Monday. He will not play in the game against Philadelphia in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Ovechkin missed the preseason opener against Boston.
September 21, 2026: Ovechkin missed practice and was ruled out for the Philadelphia game.
October 2, 2026: The Capitals face Carolina in the regular-season opener.
Season Trajectory
This early injury concern disrupts the rhythm of a key veteran player as the team transitions into the high-intensity regular season. The status of such a core player directly impacts the team's ability to establish line chemistry before the opener against Carolina.
The absence of the veteran forward requires lineup adjustments for the exhibition slate as the team prepares for the October 2 opener. Fantasy managers and observers should track his return to practice to assess his readiness for the regular-season rotation.
The takeaway
Maintaining player health during the preseason is critical for veteran stars managing heavy workloads. Teams often exercise caution with seasoned athletes to ensure they are at peak performance for the start of the regular season.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves and upcoming schedule, visit Hockey.
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