Nicklas Backstrom Injury: Updates on Capitals Star's Recovery from Hip Surgery

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has returned after sitting out following offseason hip surgery.

Continue for updates.

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Backstrom Will Play vs. Carolina Hurricanes 

Saturday, Oct. 17

Backstrom said he will be in the lineup for the game tonight, per Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington.

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Latest on Backstrom's Practice Status

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Head coach Barry Trotz said Backstrom is back at practice and cleared for contact, via Gormley.

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Backstrom's Impact on Capitals

Backstrom has been an instrumental part of the Capitals offense throughout his career. An assist machine, Backstrom led the league with 60 helpers last season after recording 61 the year before and 40 in a lockout-shortened 2012-13.

His presence and vision on the first line have been big reasons why Alexander Ovechkin has been able to put up big numbers. Back in February, Adam Vingan of NHL.com noted that since the 2007-08 season, Backstrom's rookie year, the center has assisted on 45.6 percent of Ovechkin's goals. 

Ovechkin's presence has also helped Backstrom's goal-scoring record. In his first eight seasons, Backstrom has recorded 18 or more goals five times, as most teams focus a majority of their defensive game plans on Ovechkin.

If Washington is going to have any hope of improving on its Eastern Conference Semifinals loss against the New York Rangers last season, Backstrom will need to remain fully healthy and come in ready to produce.

Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com.