Where is Alex Ovechkin? Possible return date for Capitals captain after father's death

Where is Alex Ovechkin? Possible return date for Capitals captain after father’s death

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is going to be away from the team for an indefinite period of time after the passing of his father, Mikhail.

The Russian forward posted on Instagram Wednesday morning of the news. His father was 71 years old.

“Today I lost my father … I thank everyone for the support but please be understanding and do not disturb my family in this difficult time for us!.”

pic.twitter.com/fy0UMCGOc8

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 15, 2023

Ovechkin had stepped away from the team on Tuesday, as he did not dress for Washington’s game against Carolina that night.

The cause of death has not been announced at this point, however, Ovechkin’s father had a history of heart problems. He underwent heart surgery in February of 2014, and suffered a heart attack in 2016. Ovechkin’s wife, Tatyana, has previously said that Mikhail could not travel long distances to the United States due to his health.

MORE: How close is Alex Ovechkin to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record

Here are the latest details on Ovechkin’s leave of absence and when he may return.

Why is Alex Ovechkin away from the Capitals?

The Capitals first announced on Tuesday that Ovechkin would be stepping away from the club in order to attend to “a family matter and health of a loved one.”

Washington Capitals senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today that captain Alex Ovechkin will be away from the team to attend to a family matter and the health of a loved one.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) February 14, 2023

The Russian outlet, Match TV, later reported on Tuesday that Ovechkin was on his way to Moscow as his father required “urgent hospitalization.”

Ovechkin posted early on Wednesday morning that his father had passed away.

When will Alex Ovechkin return?

It is unclear when Ovechkin is going to return to the Capitals.

Head coach Peter Laviolette said on Tuesday that he does not believe Ovechkin will be back “in the foreseeable future.”

“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Laviolette said. “He’s going to deal with some things right now and we’re going to be supportive.”