The Washington Capitals announced Saturday morning that center Nicklas Backstrom is back. The first announcement was made on the team’s Twitter account at 11 AM. The message indicated that Backstrom will return for tomorrow’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He’s Back(y).#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Qas9kRwacY
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 7, 2023
Samantha Pell of the Washington Post later confirmed that Backstrom will indeed make his return on Sunday.
Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom will make his season debut tomorrow (Sunday) against Columbus. He is coming back from hip resurfacing surgery.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) January 7, 2023
Backstrom underwent resurfacing surgery on his left hip on June 18, 2022. The surgery was performed at the ANCA Clinic in Belgium.
“The best thing I want to do is play hockey and that’s my life.”
Welcome back, Nicky! ❤️#ALLCAPS | @backstrom19 pic.twitter.com/MLuMaSmi6T
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 7, 2023
The Capitals shifted John Carlson to long-term injured reserve (LTIR), clearing the cap space needed to activate Backstrom.
The team will need to make an roster move to make room for Backstrom, which should be announced sometime later today.
By Jon Sorensen
Protas to Hershey? Carlson on LTIR? What’s the move?
Assume both those moves happen. And eventually a trade of Mantha
He will be traded as soon as Wilson shows that he is ready tp play 100% and maybe GMBM can package him and Eller for a nice pick or 2.
Carlson now officially on LTIR, according to Tarik
If they are that confident in his ability to last the season and playoffs if they make it then trade Eller NOW!
Nick is back. What then?
We see if he can still play at a high level, then make a few decisions accordingly.
God bless NB19!
Play list for Nicky
“How You Remind Me” by Nickelback
“Here I Go Again” by White Snake
Sorry to say this but I really dont see the advantage of bringing Backy back. And I dont see him playing at the high level he played at 3/4 years ago. Hope that he does well and that I am wrong but history is not on his side after this type of surgery. HE may be good but he is no Superman or even an Ovie!!