Alex Ovechkin, the standout player for the Washington Capitals, is now allowed to have contact as part of his recovery from a fractured left fibula. However, he will not participate in any games until after the NHL’s holiday break occurring from December 24-26.

During a practice session on Friday, Ovechkin suited up in his usual red jersey instead of the blue non-contact jersey that he had been wearing in previous training sessions, indicating progress in his recovery.

He had already been excluded from the game on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes, and now he will also miss the upcoming matches against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday and the Boston Bruins on Monday.

“Considering everything, and with three games coming up, plus the break, this is the best choice for him at this point in his recovery,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery mentioned to reporters.

Here’s what you need to know about Alex Ovechkin’s injury situation:

When Will Alex Ovechkin Make His Return?

Coach Carbery noted that while Ovechkin won’t likely return for the first game after the break, he will be sidelined for the next three games. The Capitals’ first match after the holiday is set for December 28 against Toronto, followed by another game the next evening in Detroit.

What Caused Alex Ovechkin’s Injury?

Ovechkin suffered his injury during a game on November 18 when he was accidentally hit in the leg by Utah Hockey Club defenseman Jack McBain. He was diagnosed with a fractured leg just three days later. Initially, the Capitals estimated that he would be out for four to six weeks, meaning a return post-Christmas is likely around the middle of that recovery timeline.

How is Alex Ovechkin Progressing in His Rehab?

Since December 2, Ovechkin has been gradually working towards returning to his team. He began with light skating in a tracksuit, then increased the intensity of his on-ice training, and finally participated in non-contact drills during team practices. Recently, he traveled with the team for a two-game road trip. Although he practiced with a non-contact jersey at Thursday’s session, he received clearance for contact during Friday’s practice.

How Many Games Has Alex Ovechkin Missed?

Up to now, Ovechkin has been out for 13 games, and with the upcoming three game absences, that total will reach 16. The Capitals have had some ups and downs during his absence, initially losing two games, followed by an impressive 8-0-1 streak, and then dropping their last two games, giving them an 8-4-1 record without their star player.

What is Alex Ovechkin’s Goal Count?

Ovechkin currently holds 868 career goals, which means he is 27 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 goals, achieved in 1999.

Before his injury, he was performing exceptionally well, scoring 15 goals in the last 18 games, including five in just two games prior to getting injured.

If he makes his return against Toronto, he would have 48 games left in the regular season. Should he not achieve the record this season, he has another year remaining on his contract.