While there was some more bad news in a weird week with lots of COVID cases across the sports world, there was also some good news. The Washington Capitals, to no one’s surprise, activated Nicklas Backstrom from the injured non roster list. They also activated center Nic Dowd and defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk from the COVID protocol list. Evgeny Kuznetsov, however, has been added to the COVID list, joining Garnet Hathaway.
Backstrom took line rushes on Monday for the first time this season and prior to that skated on his own with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish. Battling a hip injury that he suffered during the playoffs last season, being 34 only made the rehabbing more complicated and longer and the Caps made sure not to rush their franchise center back too early.
Backstrom has missed all of the Caps 28 games this season. Recently Peter Laviolette said this when news was coming about an impending Backstrom return:
"“He has looked really good out there. To me, just watching him and the progression in practice — competing in drills, being physical, battle level, pace — all of that is important for him to get that timing back for when he does get back in. It seems like he is moving forward.”"
Backstrom was taking rushes in both practices on the second line this week. With Kuznetsov’s absence perhaps he could even move up to the first line. Backstrom led the Caps in scoring last season with 53 points (15 goals and 38 assists) in 55 games.
Meanwhile on the Capitals TikTok: pic.twitter.com/YFtB6LyfGb
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) December 15, 2021
Backstrom and his $9.2 million cap hit now comes back onto the books. Now onto long term injured reserve is Anthony Mantha and his $5.7 million cap hit. Mantha had shoulder surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
T.J. Oshie is excited to have Backstrom back:
"“He adds leadership. He adds offense. He adds defense. He’s a huge part of the heartbeat of this organization. He adds a large presence in every aspect of our game. We want him to come back when he’s ready — for himself and his career. But, definitely, on that day we’re going to be very excited.”"