Backstrom (hip) entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocols Wednesday, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although he began practicing in a full-contact jersey on Dec. 17, Backstrom's still on long-term injured reserve and remains without a clear-cut timetable for his season debut, so this latest development may not affect his timeline. Another update on the 35-year-old Swede should surface once he's activated off the NHL's COVID-19 protocols list.

Backstrom (hip) practiced in a full-contact jersey Saturday, per Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has yet to play this season after undergoing hip surgery in June. Practicing without limitations is a big step toward his return to the lineup, though a definite timeline has yet to be established. The 35-year-old center logged six goals and 25 assists in 47 games last year.

Backstrom (hip) is now traveling with the Capitals and ramping up his involvement in practices, but he remains without a timetable for his return to action, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is certainly encouraging news for Backstrom, who has yet to play this season after undergoing left hip resurfacing surgery in mid-June, but he remains without a definite timeline to make his season debut. If and when he's cleared to play, the Capitals may ease Backstrom back into action by limiting his ice time early on.

Backstrom (hip) is skating before practice Saturday, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

EDGE Analysis

This is a great first step for Backstrom, who missed training camp and the first 19 games of the season while recovering from offseason hip resurfacing surgery. Don't expect Backstrom back until January at the earliest.

Backstrom (hip) was moved to long-term injured reserve Monday, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom underwent left hip resurfacing surgery in mid-June. A timetable for his return has not been provided, but it is expected to be a "lengthy" process.

Backstrom (hip) is expected to begin on-ice work within the next week, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom hasn't been on the ice since undergoing resurfacing surgery on his left hip in June. El-Bashir adds that Backstrom won't be doing anything strenuous once he's back on skates, so he remains in the early stages of his recovery. The 34-year-old center is not expected to return before January, and it's a difficult procedure he's coming back from, so his status for the season will depend on how he progresses as he adds more stress on his hip.

Backstrom underwent resurfacing surgery on his left hip Friday. There is currently no timetable for his return.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom will reportedly face a "lengthy" recovery and it's unclear when the team will have a better idea of his return timeline. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff notes that former Duck, Ryan Kesler, underwent this surgery in 2019 and never returned to the NHL. Backstrom missed the first 28 games of the 2021-22 campaign with a hip injury and was limited to 47 appearances all season. The 34-year-old tallied 31 points while averaging 17:29 of ice time.

Backstrom scored a goal on five shots and added two PIM in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Panthers in Game 6.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom redirected a Justin Schultz shot into the net at 1:37 of the third period. Though the Capitals lost the series 4-2, Backstrom was productive with a goal and five helpers in six contests. He added 16 shots on net, seven hits and a plus-1 rating while centering the second line.

Backstrom delivered two assists in Saturday's 6-1 win over the Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has one goal and three assists in three games this series, and is riding a three-game scoring streak. He now has 75 playoff helpers in his storied career, which puts him within two apples of the top-50 postseason playmakers all time.

Backstrom (rest) won't be in the lineup for Friday's regular-season finale against the Rangers, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Backstrom getting the night off, look for Connor McMichael to draw into the lineup versus New York. Backstrom will return to his usual featured role for Game 1 of Washington's first-round playoff series against the Panthers.