Capitals’ Backstrom, Wilson skate for first time since surgeries

Washington Capitals forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson both skated on Wednesday for the first time since their offseason surgeries. 

Both players are still at least several weeks away from returning — and likely longer for Backstrom. It’s a baby step, but an important one for two of Washington’s most important players. 

“I was excited to see them out there,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette told reporters Wednesday. “They’re at the beginning steps of getting back on the ice. You won’t see them in gear tomorrow. They’re at the very beginning. But it was great to see them out there.”

Backstrom and Wilson, two of Washington’s best forwards alongside Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie, skated in sweats for about 10 minutes before the team practiced. 

Wilson, 28, is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Game 1 of Washington’s first-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in May. Backstrom, 34, had hip resurfacing surgery — an invasive procedure and one that is rare for hockey players to undergo — in June after dealing with pain and immobility in his left hip last season. 

“I’m sure that they were thrilled to get out there and touch the ice, touch the edges, move a puck around,” Laviolette said. “It’s awesome, makes me happy that they’re both out there and getting on the road to recovery.”

On the ice this morning ahead of Capitals practice: Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson. pic.twitter.com/4jWR2Vloya

— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) October 26, 2022

Wilson’s recovery timeline could see him return to the Capitals in December or January, while Backstrom is out indefinitely.

Wilson said when training camp began that he felt “ahead of schedule.” Backstrom was also “very optimistic” about the recovery from his second hip surgery in seven years, adding that it was a “life-changer.” But it’s still an uphill climb for the Swede.

Backstrom is key to the Capitals with the man advantage. As he’s missed time the last couple years with hip issues, Washington’s success on the power play has diminished. In the first third of last season without Backstrom, the Capitals were one of the worst power-play teams in the NHL. Wilson, meanwhile, has been an integral part of the Capitals’ offense as the winger opposite Ovechkin and a physical presence. 

Wilson had his best season last year, setting career highs with 24 goals and 28 assists. Backstrom tallied six goals and 25 assists in 47 games. 

The Capitals have done a so-so job of replacing Backstrom and Wilson so far this season. Despite starting 0-2, Washington is now 4-3 entering Thursday’s game at Dallas. Dylan Strome, who Washington signed in free agency to fill Backstrom’s void, has played well so far both on five-on-five and the power play. Wilson’s replacement, though, didn’t have as much luck, as winger Connor Brown is out long term after suffering a lower-body injury on Oct. 17.