NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has indicated the timeline for Alexander Ovechkin's return to the ice. His remarks were reported by The Athletic.
“Ovechkin's pursuit of the record may resume soon. He is expected to return to the lineup either for one game before the holiday break or should be ready to play immediately after the Christmas break,” LeBrun stated.
On December 14, Ovechkin participated in his first practice with the team following a fracture of his fibula. He took to the ice wearing a special jersey designed to prevent contact. The Russian forward sustained the injury on November 19 during a game against Utah.
To match Wayne Gretzky's NHL record for most goals scored in regular season play, Ovechkin needs to net 26 more goals. Currently, the Russian has 868 goals, while the retired Gretzky has 894.