Preseason Injury Report: Ovechkin, Tucker and Lavoie Face Early Setbacks

Alex Ovechkin skates toward the net during a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 19, 2021. (Photo by All-Pro Reels / Brian Murphy)

Written by Gina Anton

Alex Ovechkin — Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin’s 22nd NHL season has gotten off to an unexpected start.

The 41-year-old Washington Capitals captain is dealing with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of practice for two consecutive days. He is considered day to day and may not appear in the preseason.

Ovechkin had been practicing alongside Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard before the injury interrupted his training camp. While missing preseason games is not necessarily a major concern for a veteran of Ovechkin’s experience, starting a new season on the sidelines can still be difficult.

At this stage of his career, every season carries its own significance. Ovechkin will now have to focus on recovering while the Capitals determine when he is ready to return to the ice.

Washington has two preseason games remaining, against the Boston Bruins on Friday and Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Head coach Spencer Carbery said the team should have a clearer idea of Ovechkin’s availability after its upcoming practices.

For Ovechkin, the priority is getting healthy before the regular season begins rather than rushing back for preseason action.

Tyler Tucker — St. Louis Blues

Tyler Tucker’s opportunity to establish himself with the St. Louis Blues has been interrupted by a small knee injury.

The defenseman was injured during practice Sunday and limped off the ice after getting hurt during a drill. He did not practice Monday.

Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said the injury is more than day to day, although Tucker does not yet have a timeline for his return. He is expected to be reevaluated in the coming days.

The timing leaves Tucker with less time to prepare for the regular season and make his case for a spot on St. Louis’ blue line. With the Blues opening their season Oct. 2 against the Dallas Stars, each missed practice becomes important as the team finalizes its roster.

If Tucker is unable to return in time, his absence could create an opportunity for 2024 first-round pick Adam Jiricek. For Tucker, the immediate goal is simple: recover, return to the ice and get back into the competition before opening night.

Raphaël Lavoie — Vegas Golden Knights

Raphaël Lavoie’s push for an NHL roster spot has temporarily been put on hold.

The 25-year-old Vegas Golden Knights forward suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday’s 4-2 preseason win over the Los Angeles Kings. He is considered day to day.

The timing is especially important for Lavoie, who is competing for an opportunity to remain with Vegas after spending last season with AHL Henderson. He entered training camp needing to make an impression, and he had already scored in the team’s preseason victory over Los Angeles.

Now, an injury has interrupted that momentum at a crucial point in camp.

With roster decisions approaching, Lavoie needs to be healthy and available to continue showing what he can bring at the NHL level. Missing preseason time could limit his opportunity to separate himself from the other players competing for a spot.

For Lavoie, getting back on the ice quickly could be an important part of keeping his roster push on track.