Backstrom notched an assist in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has picked up three helpers over his last six games, though he's also gone minus-3 in that span. The 35-year-old center is up to 10 points through 20 contests this season, and he's added 33 shots on net, 16 hits, 12 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating while filling a middle-six spot in the lineup.

Backstrom scored a power-play goal Saturday in a 2-1 win over Boston.

EDGE Analysis

It was his second power-play snipe in his last three games. Backstrom has six points in 11 games since his return from offseason hip surgery. Just beware his plus-minus -- he has been burned with a minus-seven rating over his last seven games. It could be a sign his foot speed is lagging at even strength. Backstrom could still deliver solid fantasy scoring over the last 30 games with the right deployment, including continued power play time.

Backstrom scored a goal on two shots in Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom opened the scoring Sunday on the power play, firing a wrist shot through traffic that got past Ilya Samsonov. It's the first goal of the season for Backstrom in his eighth game since returning from offseason hip surgery. The 35-year-old center now has six points on the year after recording 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 47 games last season.

Backstrom (illness) was back on the ice in the lead-up to Thursday's clash with Pittsburgh, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing out versus the Avs on Tuesday, Backstrom appears set to get back on the ice Thursday. Since making his season debut Jan. 8 versus the Blue Jackets, Backstrom is still searching for his first goal of the season while recording three assists, 14 shots and seven hits in seven contests. Backstrom should be in line for not only a top-six role but also seeing minutes with the No. 1 power-play unit.

Backstrom (illness) won't play Tuesday versus the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom and T.J. Oshie (personal) are both unavailable, while Alex Ovechkin (lower body) is a game-time decision, which could leave the Capitals thin up front. Alexei Protas will likely take Backstrom's place in the lineup Tuesday.

Backstrom tallied an assist and three shots during Thursday's 4-0 win over the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Despite coming close to netting his first goal of the season, Backstrom came away from Washington's 4-0 victory with his third helper in six games since returning from major hip surgery in the offseason. The 35-year-old should only get better as he shakes the rust off, so fantasy managers patient enough to stash Backstrom on their rosters should get some healthy dividends for the balance of the 2022-23 season.

Backstrom notched an assist, three shots on goal and three blocked shots in Monday's 4-3 overtime win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has logged two assists over four contests since making his season debut last Sunday. The 35-year-old has slowly built up his ice time -- he ranked third among Capitals forwards with 18:29 in Monday's victory. The center has added seven shots on net, five hits, four blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. He's maintained a middle-six role, but there's always a possibility he could eventually reunite with Alex Ovechkin on the top line.

Backstrom recorded an assist against the Flyers on Wednesday, his first point of the 2022-23 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom is just two games back from a long-term injury absence and was able to open his point account Wednesday. Even with only about half the season remaining, the veteran center should still be capable of pushing for the 30-point threshold.

Backstrom (hip) will make his season debut against the Blue Jackets on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has come a long way since undergoing offseason hip re-surfacing surgery to return from an injury that was speculated to keep him out of the lineup for most of the season. The 35-year-old is likely to reclaim his spot in the top six and on the top power-play unit, but line combinations are still in flux with Tom Wilson (knee) set to return to action Sunday versus Columbus as well. Fantasy managers should keep short-term expectations in check as Backstrom will likely need some time to shake the rust off given his lengthy absence, but get ready to plug him into your lineups.

Backstrom (hip) was cleared from COVID-19 protocols and was on the ice for Monday's practice, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom landed in the virus protocols while working his way back from a hip injury that has held him out the entire season to this point. The 35-year-old is taking contact and going through normal practice routines indicating a likely return in the not-too-distant future, but an exact return date has yet to be announced so fantasy managers will have to continue to be patient.