The Swede is leaving no questions for the Capitals as he's proving that he still belongs in the NHL.
WASHINGTON — Nicklas Backstrom said to open Washington Capitals training camp that it felt like the old days, as he was put on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and, most importantly, feeling like his old self. And through the most important weeks of his life, he's shown just that as he's proving he can still be a full-time NHL center — and then some.
Backstrom, who picked up a goal and went 8-for-9 in the face-off dot in his preseason debut on Thursday, is not only pain-free but is no longer held back by his hip now that he's 15 months removed from the hip resurfacing surgery that gave him a second chance.
"Nicky looked amazing. He looked like himself from 10 years ago," Tom Wilson said. "He moved his feet really well; he's so smart. I'll play with that guy any day of the week."
There were questions and uncertainty surrounding the Swede after his return last season, as he appeared to be missing that extra step after his return to action in January. While he still managed 21 points in 39 games, his speed and skating weren't necessarily there, leading general manager Brian MacLellan to leave it up to training camp to see what the next steps would be.
But following a full summer of training following years of rehab, Backstrom appears to have shown the team that injuries are no longer a concern. He's stronger on his skates and edges, his turns are tight and his movements are fluid, and the speed is coming back.
"I've been really impressed with the way he's looked," head coach Spencer Carbery said, adding, "It's just a perfect storm of him having a full summer. You can tell his energy every day on the ice; he's excited to compete, he wants to play in all the exhibition games. That's all I know is that player. He's been great."
With the regular season two weeks away, Backstrom has made it clear that he's done talking about the procedure or past, and he's letting his play speak for itself.
"I mean, I got nothing more to say about it. I’m 100 percent. I’ve done everything I can... I worked really hard and I'm really excited to be here for the training camp. Love this team, love this city, love the fans," Backstrom said. "There’s nothing I’m more excited about than going back and playing hockey."
Now, it's just business as usual.
"He's such a smart player," Wilson said. "He makes the guys on the ice around him so much better."