Alex Ovechkin makes an unexpected return to Capitals practice following his injury

Alex Ovechkin is continuing to make his way back from a fractured left fibula.

Per Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network, the Washington Capitals captain progressed to individual on-ice drills with skills coach Kenny McCudden ahead of Saturday's morning skate before taking the ice with his teammates for their team skate afterward.

Head coach Spencer Carbery has mentioned that when Alex Ovechkin returns to work with Kenny McCudden, that will be the next big step in the process. At 39, he's now focused on ramping up to less intensive drills in full-team practices.

Ovechkin missed his 10th straight game earlier this week and the Capitals escaped with a 2-1 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Without him, the club is 7-2-1, though he does still share the team lead in goals with 15.

Ovechkin, meanwhile, remained in town and did not travel to Columbus. The Capitals return home to play the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night before embarking on another road trip for consecutive games against the Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks next week.

Owner Ted Leonsis told people at the Board of Governors meeting in Florida that Ovechkin might be two or three weeks away from a full return, putting him back around shortly after Christmas or early in the new year.

They have nine games remaining in 2024, including three after Christmas. The first game in 2025 is projected to be on January 2 against the Minnesota Wild.