Backstrom (hip) is likely to play Saturday night against visiting Carolina, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom, who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery last May, reportedly will slot in on the second line, with Andre Burakovsky dropping down to the fourth group. Backstrom led all skaters with 60 assists last season, making him an intriguing fantasy option once he proves the injury is completely behind him.