The 37-year-old will take part in informal skates with the Capitals before training camp kicks off on Sept. 21.
After spending the majority of the offseason in his native Russia, Alex Ovechkin is on his way back to the United States to join the Washington Capitals before training camp.
The Capitals captain told R-Sport he is making his way back overseas Saturday and provided an update on his health. He said that the plan is to attend informal skates and continue working out for a few weeks leading up to the official start of training camp.
"Today, I'm going back to the United States. [Regarding my] health, so far everything seems to be normal," he said. "We will continue to work in Washington."
Ovechkin also said that he is looking forward to trying to help Washington return to the postseason after the team missed out last year for the first time in nearly a decade.
"Of course, I want to go to the playoffs with the team, feel the heat of the struggle and these emotions," he added.
Before leaving Russia, Ovechkin met with fans and took part in the "Fonfest KHL: Hockey In The City" event overseas.
The 37-year-old is entering his 19th NHL season. He sits 72 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record and has three years remaining on the five-year extension he signed with the Capitals in July 2021.
Last season, he scored 42 goals for his record-breaking 13th 40-goal season while also passing Gordie Howe for second on the NHL's all-time goals list. Though he faced a couple of injuries and also missed some time following the death of his father in February, he still kept up his usual scoring pace.
The Capitals officially kick off training camp on Sept. 21, and their regular season kicks off on Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.