Alex Ovechkin took the next step in his recovery process from a lower-body injury on Saturday morning.
While the Washington Capitals’ captain remained in a light blue, no-contact jersey, he participated in practice with his teammates for the first time since leaving the first day of training camp early.
Ovechkin is still not listed on the team’s internal camp roster for either Group A or B, nor is Nic Dowd, who remains out for personal reasons.
Previously, Ovechkin had been skating ahead of practice but jumping off the ice before drills and line rushes began. He stayed for most of the work on Saturday but departed earlier than the rest of the group.
Head coach Spencer Carbery stated Thursday that he’d like to see Ovechkin play in at least two preseason games this fall — ideally one home and one away — ahead of Opening Night on October 8. The Capitals are scheduled to play their next two exhibition games on the road, starting with a matchup against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon.
“Yeah, another step in the right direction for him to get back to practice and potentially play in exhibition games,” Carbery said.
Carbery has labeled Ovechkin “day-to-day” when speaking about the 40-year-old winger’s ailment.
The Capitals made eight more cuts to their roster ahead of the skate, leaving them with 42 players in total at camp. Group A, with whom Ovechkin practiced, is expected to be the Capitals’ game group against the Devils.
Ovechkin is set for his 21st season in the NHL with the Capitals and the last year on his current contract with the club.
Opening Night against the Boston Bruins is scheduled for October 8 at Capital One Arena.
