CHICAGO — Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom is nearing his season debut after being sidelined by a left hip injury.
Backstrom skated again Wednesday morning ahead of Washington’s game at Chicago. Coach Peter Laviolette said the veteran center was going to meet with a trainer after the session, but everything looks good.
Backstrom, who turned 34 last month, had a team-high 38 assists and 53 points in 55 games last season and is 20 points away from having 1000 career points.
“You’re talking about our leading scorer last year, somebody who’s been a mainstay offensively for this organization for a long time,” Laviolette said. “So when you add a player back into the lineup that is skilled like he is and who can make plays like he (can), it’s a benefit.”
Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk and center Nic Dowd also are expected to play against the Blackhawks. Dowd and van Riemsdyk are coming out of the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.
“Those two guys, you know, we’re hoping,” Laviolette said.
Laviolette said forward Garnet Hathaway remains in the protocol.
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