Full details on Alex Ovechkin’s leave of absence and departure to Moscow:

On Tuesday, the Washington Capitals announced that captain Alex Ovechkin would be taking a leave of absence from the team “to attend to a family matter and the health of a loved one.”

It was also reported that Ovechkin addressed his teammates earlier today, stating that he’d rather them hear the news from himself than from anyone else.

More details emerged from what is happening to poor Ovechkin and it has been confirmed that the Capitals’ captain traveled to Moscow as his father Mikhail is sick and required “urgent hospitalization.” The report first came from Russian outlet Match TV, and Daria Tuboltseva of Russia’s Sport24 posted the news online.

Ovechkin’s father has had heart issues in the past as he suffered a heart attack back in 2016 right before the postseason kicked off. He also underwent heart surgery in 2014. He has since travelled less and less to America to watch his son play in person.

We can only wish the best to Ovechkin, his father and his family. We chose to report the update so that thoughts and prayers can be sent Mikhail’s way.

Recommended articles:

• Ovechkin addresses his teammates in person before taking an indefinite leave of absence
• Ovechkin takes an indefinite leave of absence from the Capitals
• David Pastrnak deletes picture with Ovechkin after backlash
• We finally know what happened to the signed Ovechkin/Crosby jersey from All-Star challenge
• Alex Ovechkin calls out Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur for NHL rule change