Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom to make season debut against Blackhawks

December 15, 2021 - 6:04pm

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) in action during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Washington. Backstrom says he's taking hip injury rehab slowly and has no timetable on when he'll be able to play. Backstrom has not skated during training camp and seems like a long shot to play in the season opener Oct. 13 or soon thereafter (Nick Wass/AP).

The Washington Capitals will get a welcome addition to their forward group.

Nicklas Backstrom, 34, was officially activated from the injured non-roster list and is expected to make his season debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

The best way to announce that Backstrom is BACK.

(: @Capitals on TikTok) pic.twitter.com/8MazMMv7uz

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 15, 2021

Backstrom was sidelined on the long-term injury reserve recovering from a left hip injury in the offseason. Last season, Backstrom recorded 15 goals and 38 assists in 55 games played.

The Capitals and Blackhawks can be seen on Sportsnet/SN NOW at 8 p.m./5 p.m. PT.

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