Alex Ovechkin's return date made clearer with latest update

Ovechkin fractured his left fibula on Nov. 18 but returned to skating just before Thanksgiving, expediting the four-to-six week prognosis on his recovery.

However, "The Great Eight" will not be playing in any of the team's three games before the NHL's Christmas break, per head coach Spencer Carbery, via NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

The earliest Ovechkin could make his reintroduction to the 2024-25 campaign would be on Dec. 28 on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Thursday, Carbery had not ruled out having him play as soon as Sunday, but he also noted he wanted to see how much practice Oveckhin could get in after being cleared for contact.

It appears Carbery is airing on the side of caution and not rushing his star captain back into action until he's confident Ovechkin can slot back into the top line with ease.

The Russian will be hoping to continue his chase of Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky's all-time career goals record (894). Ovechkin was forced to pause his campaign at a league-leading 15 goals, just 27 short of passing Gretzky at 868 career tallies.

Washington is currently on a two-game losing streak as it hosts the division rival Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, but the team will also be without centerman Lars Eller until after the Christmas break. He was placed on injured reserve with an illness retroactive to Tuesday.