Alex Ovechkin will skip the 2019 NHL All-Star Game in San Jose, he confirmed Wednesday.
His decision was reported by team reporter Mike Vogel.
#Caps captain Alex Ovechkin has informed the NHL that he will miss the 2019 NHL All-Star Game in San Jose, preferring to take full advantage of the adjoining bye week to recuperate and get ready for the second half of the season and the playoff push.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) January 2, 2019
"My body needs a rest," said Ovechkin after the Capitals' Wednesday practice. Ovechkin has played in all 38 Capitals games this season, amassing 29 goals and 16 assists.
Full All-Star Game rosters won't be released until Wednesday evening, but Ovechkin was already voted in as captain of the Metropolitan Division in an online fan poll. Sidney Crosby is a likely candidate to wear the 'C' for the division in Ovechkin's absence.
The All-Star Skills Competition will take place Jan. 25, and the main event will follow on Jan. 26.
Per NHL rules, Ovechkin will be suspended for one game -- either the final game before the break or the first game following the break -- for missing the All-Star Game for non-injury reasons. The Capitals' final game before the break is on Jan. 23 in Toronto. The Capitals' first game following the break is Feb. 1 against Calgary.