2-time MVP Alexander Ovechkin joins Russian team during NHL lockout

(CBS/AP) MOSCOW - Alexander Ovechkin is returning to his former Russian team Dynamo Moscow during the NHL lockout.

The KHL team said in a statement Wednesday that it has signed the Washington Capitals star to a contract that lasts until the lockout ends. It said Ovechkin has undergone medical exams and has already participated in training. It did not disclose the financial terms of his contract.

Ovechkin joined the Capitals in 2005 and was the NHL's MVP in 2008 and 2009.

He is the latest Russian star to return home during the lockout. Evgeny Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins has signed a deal with his former team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk. He was joined by Ottawa Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar, and Nikolai Kulemin of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the NHL cancelled the first week of preseason games as the league is mired in its fourth work stoppage.