Alex Ovechkin faces 33 traffic tickets worth $1,000 during his offseason in Russia (Credit: Getty Images)Alex Ovechkin is one of hockey’s biggest stars, but his NHL offseason in Russia has brought him attention for something far away from the rink. The Washington Capitals captain spent much of his summer at home, where his time behind the wheel reportedly led to an unusual number of traffic violations.According to Russian Telegram channel Mash Sports, Alex Ovechkin was linked to 33 traffic tickets during the offseason. The fines reportedly added up to 82,000 rubles, with most of the tickets connected to speeding. The report also linked all of them to Ovechkin’s Aurus vehicle, which carries a special license plate connected to his famous No. 8 jersey.Why did Alex Ovechkin receive 33 traffic tickets in Russia?According to the Russian Telegram channel Mash Sports, Ovechkin received 33 traffic tickets during his offseason in Russia. The fines totaled 82,000 rubles, which is around $1,000. Most of the tickets were for speeding, while others were linked to parking and toll road violations. Ovechkin has already paid 32 of the 33 fines. One 4,500-ruble fine remains unpaid.All 33 tickets were reportedly connected to an Aurus Arsenal, a Russian-made luxury minivan. The vehicle was built for the presidential motorcade and was not originally sold to private buyers. Russian outlets have reported that the Aurus seen around Moscow belongs to Ovechkin.The vehicle also carries the license plate 008, which has an obvious connection to the Capitals captain. Ovechkin has worn No. 8 throughout his NHL career, making the plate a fitting choice. Ovechkin often spends his offseason in Russia and has said he plans to live in Moscow after his playing career ends.The traffic tickets do not appear to have caused any major issue for Ovechkin, but they have added an unusual story to his summer away from the NHL. Most of the fines have already been cleared, with only the final 4,500-ruble ticket remaining.When will Alex Ovechkin return to the Washington Capitals?Ovechkin’s time in Russia is now nearing its end as he prepares to return to the United States. The Capitals signed their captain to a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension in July, keeping him in Washington for the 2026-27 season. The upcoming campaign will be Ovechkin’s 22nd NHL season, and all of them have come with the Capitals. He is expected to return to Washington in September for training camp.Alex Ovechkin remains one of the biggest names in hockey and is coming off another season after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record. His focus will soon turn back to the Capitals and the new season.For now, Alex Ovechkin still has one 4,500-ruble fine left to pay in Russia. He has reportedly paid 32 of his 33 traffic fines, while the final ticket remains unpaid.After a summer filled with travel and time at home, the Capitals captain will soon be back on the ice preparing for another NHL season.