Report: Ovechkin shows up to camp earlier than ever, looking 'slimmer'
It appears Alex Ovechkin is very motivated for the upcoming season.
Ovechkin was on the ice Tuesday morning in Washington for an informal skate, even though official training camp doesn't begin until mid-September. Stephen Whyno, who covers the Capitals for the Associated Press, can't remember the last time Ovechkin returned to D.C. to skate this early.
This is the earliest I can remember Ovechkin being back in the DC area to skate. He turns 32 on Sept. 17.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) August 29, 2017
Not only is Ovechkin ahead of schedule for training camp, but it appears he lost some weight in the offseason, according to multiple reports.
Ovechkin did not speak to the media today, but he certainly appeared slimmer--a fact Kuznetsov confirmed. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) August 29, 2017
Kuznetsov said looking at Ovechkin you can tell he's lost some weight
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) August 29, 2017
We've been told Alex Ovechkin won't talk to reporters until Day 1 of camp. Evgeny Kuznetsov says Ovechkin looks like he lost a few pounds.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) August 29, 2017
Ovechkin clocked in at 239 pounds last season, which made him one of the heaviest - if not the heaviest - offensive-minded players in the NHL.
After the Capitals were eliminated from the postseason in May, the club's general manager, Brian MacLellan, hinted that his captain would benefit from playing at a lighter weight.
"The game's getting faster. He's going to have to train in a different way - a more speed way instead of a power way," MacLellan told Whyno. "He's going to have to think of ways he can evolve into a player that still has a major impact on the game."
Ovechkin tied his career low with 16 even-strength goals last season. Now, following the losses of key offensive players such as Marcus Johansson, Justin Williams, and Kevin Shattenkirk this offseason, the Capitals will need Ovechkin to return to his 50-goal form if they're going to remain Stanley Cup contenders. Being a step or two quicker on the ice could certainly increase his chances of a bounce-back campaign.