Backstrom (hip) was on the ice in Thursday's morning skate, but is not likely to be in the lineup later in the evening against the Blackhawks, CSN's Chuck Gormley reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is consistent with an earlier report, informing the hockey world that Backstrom has been cleared for contact, but is not expected to be on the ice for the home game. When healthy, Backstrom should once again get ample offensive opportunities with Alex Ovechkin on the team's first line and power play.

Backstrom was cleared for contact Wednesday, but is not expected to play Thursday, Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed the beginning of the season as he recovers from a hip injury, but looks closer and closer to returning. Coming into the season, he was due to miss four-to-five games and is on schedule to play after that initial period. When healthy, he's the engine that drives the Caps top-line with Alex Ovechkin and is a phenomenal passer on the power play.

Backstrom was taking light contact during Monday's practice, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was not wearing a no-contact jersey and appeared to be taking at least some contact during Monday's practice, so it looks like he is nearing a return, perhaps within the next few games. Continue to monitor his progress, but Monday's practice is certainly a good sign for the Capitals' top pivot.

Backstrom (hip) will miss four-to-five games as he works his way back from offseason hip surgery.

EDGE Analysis

While the original thought was that Backstrom could miss anywhere from zero-to-10 games, a more concrete timeline for the playmaking center is a positive sign for him. After a league-high 60 assists last season, Backstrom should slot right back into the top line alongside Alex Ovechkin and should return to being in the upper-echelon of pivots.

Backstrom (hip) will not play in Friday's preseason contest against the Bruins, CSN's Chuck Gormley reports.

EDGE Analysis

This comes as no surprise, as Capitals coach Barry Trotz explained to the Washington Post on Thursday that Backstrom will at least miss the first game of the regular season. Keep an eye on this situation, as Backstrom is one of the premier playmakers in the NHL.

Backstrom (hip) won't play in the Capitals' first four games according to head coach Barry Trotz, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Backstrom is taking part in practices, he has yet to be cleared for contact. The 27-year-old Swede has not suffered any setbacks, but it appears as though he will not return to full strength in time for the Oct. 10 opener. If Trotz's projection holds, Backstrom would return on or after Oct. 20's game in Calgary, although Trotz has hedged that projection by saying their "worst case scenario" is for a return some time in November. Continue to monitor his progress as the season unfolds, but at the very least you'll need to find a short-term replacement on your roster. Evgeny Kuznetsov is in line to replace Backstrom on the top line with Alex Ovechkin in the short term.

Backstrom (hip) took part in a full practice Wednesday, though Capitals head coach Barry Trotz said there is no timetable for when he'll take contact in practice, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom would need to prove that he can withstand contact in practice before returning to a game, so that's presumably the playmaker's next step in the recovery process from offseason hip surgery. Once healthy, Backstrom will be chasing an impressive milestone, as he needs 28 more assists to reach 600 for his career.

Backstrom (hip) skated with fellow forward Marcus Johansson on Wednesday, Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom continues to go through the motions in attempt to fully recover from offseason hip surgery. At this point, it is unknown how much time (if any) he'll miss to start the season. The silver lining in all of this is that fantasy owners should have a good read on what he can offer once healthy. Backstrom is a veteran that has proven to be a sensational playmaker, having posted at least 60 assists in each of the past two seasons. It's never fun to get burned by injuries in the fantasy world, but you could do far worse than taking a chance on Backstrom.

Backstrom (hip) acknowledged that, while he would like to be ready for Oct. 10's season opener, he could miss 5-10 games, Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

The main storyline of the Capitals training camp, Backstrom's recovery from offseason hip surgery remains shrouded in uncertainty. While skating regularly, the 27-year-old Swede still has no timetable for his return and has already been ruled out of all preseason action by head coach Barry Trotz. Backstrom has been a reliable commodity in fantasy circles since he came into the league, and while he should still have a fine season, he may not hit the marks fantasy owners have come to expect. His slide in fantasy rankings is making him a better value play especially if you are inclined to wait on drafting centers, while Evgeny Kuznetsov's value is rising as he may see an increased role should Backstrom miss time this season.

Capitals coach Barry Trotz said that Backstrom (hip) would require two weeks of conditioning time once he's cleared to join the team for full practices, Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Trotz has already stated that Backstrom would likely miss all seven of the Caps' preseason games, but it remains to be determined if he'll receive clearance to practice at some point during training camp. The 27-year-old center has been skating for the past three weeks as part of his rehabilitation, but there seems to be growing doubt he'll be ready for the Oct. 10 regular-season opener. The Capitals are not placing a timetable on Backstrom's return as of yet. If Backstrom indeed is out of commission for the start of the season, Evgeny Kuznetsov would likely slide into the top-line center spot temporarily.