Alex Ovechkin’s leave of absence from the Washington Capitals is due to the death of his father, the team announced Wednesday.
Ovechkin wasn’t present at Tuesday morning’s skate for the Capitals, as GM Brian MacLellan said he would be absent, though no further details were released.
Ovechkin is expected to be away from the team for at least the rest of the week.
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MCI Center, Washington DC Capitals exhibition vs. Buffalo. Also shots of #8 Alex Ovechkin. Washington Caps new player #8 Alex Ovechkin and his father Mikhail Ovechkin Sr., outside the Caps team room, after game. (Tracy A. Woodward/Washington Post via Getty Images)
“Today I lost my father,” Ovechkin posted in Russian on Instagram, which included family photos and video. “I thank everyone for the support but please be understanding and do not disturb my family in this difficult time for us! Thank you.”
Head coach Peter Laviolette said Tuesday that he doesn’t expect to have his captain back on the ice for “the foreseeable future.”
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“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Laviolette said, via ESPN. “He’s going to deal with some things right now, and we’re going to be supportive.”
The Capitals released a statement on Twitter for Mikhail Ovechkin, who died at 71.
“Mr. Ovechkin was a true gentleman and was such a significant and consistent presence at Capitals games and practices,” the team said. “With a constant smile on his face, he loved interacting with our fans and expressing his gratitude for their support of his son, of whom he was incredibly proud. Our organization’s thoughts are with the Ovechkin family at this difficult time.”
Ovechkin’s father has been in Moscow during recent seasons due to health complications, though he was usually around the team during games and practices when he was in the States.
Washington Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and center Brooks Laich (21) pose with their dads, Mikhail Ovechkin and Harold Laich following their 5-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens during the annual trip where dads, brothers and friends come along on a road trip with the Washington Capitals on January, 26 2014 in Montreal, Canada (Jonathan Newton/Washington Post via Getty Images)
Things could become complicated for Ovechkin, as Russia’s current war with Ukraine has created travel restrictions from Moscow to North America given he is returning to his native country.
Ovechkin told his teammates about his situation on Tuesday before leaving, where they offered their support.
“It’s nice to get to see him and give him a hug and let him know that we’re here for him in person rather than over text,” T.J. Oshie said. “We’re thinking about him, and we’re missing him and wishing him all the best.”
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The Capitals are also well aware that Ovechkin’s 54 points leads the team and that he won’t be present for at least the next two games against the Florida Panthers at home and the Carolina Hurricanes on the road.
“Definitely going to miss him, but at the same time we have to find other ways to create chances and try to capitalize there,” Nicklas Backstrom said.
Washington currently holds one of two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference, though the race is very tight.
Ovechkin has 32 goals on the season, which has cemented his place as the second-best goal scorer in NHL history with 812 after passing Gordie Howe’s 801 earlier this year. He is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals, which has stood for years.
Russian national hockey team member Alexander Ovechkin hugs his father Mikhail and shows off his International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship gold medal in Moscow on May 20, 2008 upon the team’s arrival. Russia defeated Canada 5-4 in overtime to win the gold medal. (VLADIMIR BEZZUBOV/AFP via Getty Images)
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Gretzky spent 20 years racking up that goal total, while Ovechkin is currently in Year 18.
