An encouraging sighting a MedStar Capitals Iceplex this morning. Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom were spotted by NBC Sports Washington’s Matt Weyrich conducting a light workout at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
The pair skated alone in non-practice gear prior to the Capitals main practice, which is scheduled for 11AM.
On the ice this morning ahead of Capitals practice: Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson. pic.twitter.com/4jWR2Vloya
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) October 26, 2022
“I was excited to see them out there,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “They’re at the beginning steps of getting back on the ice. You won’t see them in gear tomorrow. They’re at the very beginning, but it was great to see them out there. I’m sure that they were thrilled to get out there and touch the ice and touch their edges and move a puck around, and it’s awesome.”
“It’s so good to see,” Capitals forward T.J. Oshie said. “Nick told me at the bus stop this morning (when they dropped off their children) that he was going on the ice today for the first time, so I was crazy excited to get here and see him out there. Sure enough, he was throwing flat [saucer passes] out there like it was nothing and he hasn’t skated in like six months, five months, whatever.”
Wilson underwent surgery for a torn ACL on May 25 and said the recovery has been “good,” adding, “It’s been pretty smooth…definitely something different than I’ve, obviously, had to go through, so just kind of take it day-by-day, but it’s going well.” He is expected to possibly return to the team as early as November.
Backstrom underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June and his return remains unknown at this time, however the sight of him skating is nothing but an encouraging sign.
According to the Capitals this is the first time both players have skated.
Per a team spokesperson, this was the first time Backstrom and Wilson took the ice in their respective rehabs. They aren’t yet ready to fully resume skating and it will be another few days before they do so again.
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) October 26, 2022
By Jon Sorensen