Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin passed four months in Russia this summer. He picked up 33 citations. Reports indicate he had multiple issues with local authorities during that period. He returns September 10. He plans to get ready for the 2026-27 season.
Daily Faceoff placed Ovechkin on its milestone watch list for the 2026-27 season. Connor McDavid and Brent Burns made the list too. All three might break records. They might achieve things no player has ever done. Meanwhile, The Hockey Writers expect the Capitals can fight their way to a Metropolitan Division title.