Backstrom notched a power-play assist and three shots on goal in Friday's 3-1 win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has an assist in all three of his appearances this year, including two on the power play. He had the secondary helper on Alex Ovechkin's record-setting power-play goal in the third period Friday. Backstrom has added 11 shots on net -- it's a small sample size, but he's showing little hesitation to shoot since he's gotten back in action after missing two months with a hip injury and a pair of games in the COVID-19 protocols.

Backstrom (COVID-19 protocols) took part in Monday's practice session, JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed the previous two games while in the pandemic protocols but took his normal place in the top six during Monday's practice. The 34-year-old should be good to go for Wednesday's game against Nashville -- assuming that COVID-19 issues do not alter the NHL schedule any further.

Backstrom is still in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, so he won't be available for Sunday's matchup with LA, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom remains without a definite timeline for a return, as he'll need to submit two negative COVID-19 tests before rejoining the lineup. Lars Eller will likely continue to center the Capitals' top line as long as Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov remain in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols.

Backstrom won't play Friday in Winnipeg due to the league's COVID-19 protocols.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom made his long-awaited season debut Wednesday in Chicago, posting an assist, but he won't make the trip to Winnipeg. It's likely, though not confirmed, that his absence Friday is due to entry requirements at the Canadian border. Regardless of the reason, the veteran Swede will set his sights on returning Sunday against the visiting Kings.

Backstrom notched a power-play assist, five shots on goal and two hits in Wednesday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Making his season debut after nursing a hip injury through the first two months of the season, Backstrom played 18:14 on Wednesday. The 34-year-old had the secondary assist on Alex Ovechkin's second-period marker. While there could be a little rust as Backstrom gets back up to speed, the Swede was able to handle a top-six assignment Wednesday and shouldn't drop down the lineup now that he's healthy. Fantasy managers should double-check the waiver wire to see if he's available -- he's a solid playmaker who has never had fewer than 30 assists or 44 points in a season.

Backstrom (hip) has been activated off the injured non-roster list ahead of Wednesday's clash with Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has yet to play this season due to a hip injury, but all signs point to the 34-year-old pivot making his season debut against the Blackhawks. Backstrom, who racked up 53 points through 55 contests last season, is expected to skate on Washington's top line and first power-play unit against Chicago.

Backstrom (hip) could be an option for Wednesday's clash with the Blackhawks, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was skating in a second-line role at Monday's practice session and would likely also join the No. 1 power-play if cleared to play against Chicago. With 54 games remaining in the Caps' season, the Swede should still have enough time to get over the 50-point threshold for the 12th time in his NHL career.

Backstrom (hip) was not wearing a "non-contact" jersey during Friday's practice, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom had been skating prior to practice sessions over the last few days but appears to have taken another step in his long road back from a hip injury that has sidelined him for 24 games. Further update on the 34-year-old's rehab and return timeline has yet to be offered and he remains on the long-term injured reserve list, but barring a setback, it's looking like Backstrom's return to the lineup is drawing near.

Backstrom (hip) was in a non-contact jersey during Wednesday's morning skate, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pell notes that this is the first time Backstrom has been seen skating with his teammates during his recovery process. The 34-year-old has yet to play a game in the 2021-22 season and remains without a firm timeline regarding his return, but skating in a non-contact jersey is another indication that Backstrom is trending in the right direction.

Backstrom (hip) will not be on Washington's west coast road trip, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has been skating before practice sessions in recent weeks, but has yet to resume full practices and remains a little ways off from returning to action. The 33-year-old is trending in the right direction and figures to be a capable producer once back to full health so fantasy managers should continue to wait out the rehab process.