Hockey

“From 258 to 225 pounds” – Ovechkin’s Incredible Transformation Fueled Electrifying Start to the Season

Published: Dec 3, 2024, 4:47 PM
5 min read
Updated: Jul 8, 2025, 6:46 AM
Fact checked by:
Marco D'Amico

Alexander Ovechkin has made headlines throughout his career for his scoring ability, but this season, his fitness transformation is stealing the spotlight. After a challenging offseason, the Washington Capitals captain started the season with 15 goals through his first 18 games.

Unfortunately, a lower-body injury has now put him on the shelf for just over a month, but, given his current shape, there are murmurs that he could return sooner than expected.

According to a well-placed source close to Ovechkin, much of that can be attributed to Ovechkin’s intense summer training.

A Summer of Change

Ovechkin spent part of his summer in Turkey with friends, enjoying a well-earned break. However, the time off came with consequences. According to a source close to the player, “Alex spent his summer vacation in Turkey with friends. When he returned to training, he weighed 117 kilograms (258 pounds).”

Despite the weight gain, Ovechkin’s unique physiology played a role in his remarkable turnaround. “Ovechkin has a unique metabolism, and in two or three months, he not only got himself into shape but also lost even more weight – to 102 kilograms (225 pounds),” the source explained to RG.

The transformation wasn’t left to chance.  

“In addition, he consulted nutritionists. Alex trained a lot and brought his strength coach Pavel Burlachenko to Washington, who prepared him for the September training camp,” the source added.

Hard Work Pays Off

According to the source, “Ovechkin trained a lot,” embracing an intensive regimen that focused on conditioning and strength. His commitment was evident as he returned to the Capitals in better shape than he had been in years.

The results are clear: 15 goals in 18 games; while helping his team to maintain a strong start to the season demonstrated his ability to perform at an elite level, even as he enters the later stages of his career.

Ovechkin’s improved fitness hasn’t just enhanced his physical game but also enabled him to maintain his durability and consistency on the ice. He was a racehorse on the ice and looked as motivated as he was when he was chasing Rocket Richard trophies a decade ago.

Ironically, at the time of his injury, Ovechkin was the league-leader in goals.

Focused on the Future

Ovechkin’s efforts this offseason reflect his determination to remain a key contributor for the Capitals while continuing his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Though the path to breaking 894 goals is still a significant challenge after his injury, Ovechkin looked like he was able to break the record this season.

Rather than resting on his accomplishments, Ovechkin has made it clear that he’s still committed to competing at the highest level. His transformation underscores the importance of preparation, discipline, and adaptability — qualities that have kept him among the NHL’s best for nearly two decades.

Once he returns to health, Ovechkin’s chase for history will be something to behold. Proving once again that even the game’s biggest legends must continuously evolve to stay at the top.

Head of News Department
Sergey Demidov is Head of News at RG.org and has covered global sports since 2007. His work spans the Olympics, FIFA World Cups, and Stanley Cup Finals. A former senior editor at NHL.com, he has interviewed stars like Sidney Crosby and Didier Drogba. Sergey specializes in Olympic disciplines, football, and hockey, and publishes in English and Russian.
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Hockey Writers

Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria Tuboltseva has worked as a sports journalist since 2014 and has specialized in hockey coverage since 2016. She’s reported from some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Olympic Games (Beijing 2022), the FIFA World Cup (2018), the IIHF World Championships (2016–2019, 2021), the IIHF World Junior Championship (2019), and every Gagarin Cup Final since 2017.

Her work has appeared in leading Russian sports outlets like Championat.com and Sport24, as well as on the official websites of the KHL and the Women’s Hockey League (WHL). Daria has conducted exclusive interviews with some of the sport’s most recognized names, including Alex Ovechkin, Jaromir Jagr, Kirill Kaprizov, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Igor Shesterkin.

Beyond her writing, Daria brings extensive on-camera experience. She hosted NHL Today on Yandex.Efir and has produced powerful long-form projects such as the documentary Lokomotiv Crash and the series Hockey Country, featuring stars like Ovechkin, Malkin, Bobrovsky, Vasilevskiy, and Panarin. Her work has taken her to NHL games across North America and international events like the NHL Global Series in Europe.

In addition to her media career, Daria is a certified integrative nutritionist with a focus on sports nutrition. She works one-on-one with KHL players, helping them optimize performance and recovery through tailored nutrition plans. Her ability to blend media expertise with athlete support gives her a unique presence in the professional hockey world.

Daria publishes in both English and Russian and is the creator of the Telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth, where she shares insights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the hockey world.

Based in: Saint Petersburg, Russia

Languages: English, Russian

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