Although Ovechkin was cleared to resume full contact in practice Friday, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said that the 39-year-old left wing won’t return from a fractured left fibula until after the NHL’s holiday break, which runs from Dec. 24-26.

Washington Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin took the next step in his recovery from a fractured leg when he shed the non-contact practice jersey he wore the past week for a regular practice uniform. Joining his teammates and taking physical contact is one of the last checkpoints to get by before the Capitals star can return to game action.

The Washington Capitals captain shed his noncontact jersey and participated in the team’s morning skate in a regular jersey on Friday.