The 34-year-old will have to show the Capitals at training camp that he can still be an impact player and full-time NHLer.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Nicklas Backstrom is already back in D.C. and hitting the ice for the Washington Capitals, taking part in informal workouts with the club roughly a month before the biggest training camp of his life.

Backstrom, who underwent hip resurfacing surgery last June to address years of chronic hip pain, faces the tall task of proving to general manager Brian MacLellan that he can still be a top contributor and full-time NHL center after a bit of a rough showing in his return last season.

The Swede's rehabilitation lasted roughly eight months, and he made his return to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 8. He played in 39 games and put up seven goals and 14 assists, and though he was pain-free, there were times when he was struggling when it came to his speed, skating and two-way play.

MacLellan stated back in April that he'd seen "marginal" improvement from Backstrom after his comeback, but he said there would have to be a decision made about his future given the complications.

"That's a major surgery," MacLellan said. "I think it's frustrating in that I don't know how much better does it get? I haven't seen any other players do it, recover and get back to the level they thought they were at before. I don't know where that ends up with the offseason training."

Nevertheless, Backstrom will get the chance to show what he can do at training camp, with MacLellan and the front office watching closely. But what exactly can the team expect?

For Backstrom, the Capitals can expect a lot. The 34-year-old is coming off his first full offseason of training in years — he can't remember the last time he didn't spend all summer rehabbing and managing his hip pain —  and he told Swedish publication hockeynews.se that he's ready to bounce back.

"It's been very different now. I've been quite open about everything that has happened to me, and I have not been able to train as I wanted in recent years," Backstrom said. "But now, this year, I had a great summer and went on the ice earlier, so I'm looking forward to this season."

He also told The Hockey News shortly after his return to play that the surgery was life-changing both on and off the ice, as he's now able to skate without pain while also being able to bend over, put on socks and play with his kids. And for him, having that second lease on life and a second chance to extend his career has made all the difference and provided him with more optimism going forward.

"I think -- it was just like -- went back to -- I don't know, calmness in my body if that makes sense?" Backstrom said. "It was just a nice feeling, you know? I felt it right away, which was nice. It was an awesome feeling for me, personally.

"It was just a game-change. I haven't skated like that in a couple years, you know?"

While Backstrom's speed remains a question, having a full season of preparation should put him in a good spot. He was able to get on the ice earlier and continue to get in the rhythm of real-time action. And despite what's happened physically, Backstrom's playmaking prowess and hockey IQ are still off the charts, and it should pay off.

"He's got one of the best minds in the game, so when his body allows him to do what his mind is telling him, it's a pretty scary recipe for success," teammate Tom Wilson said. "It's nice to see him moving better and pain-free, and his body's responding to what he wants it to do. He thinks the game better than anybody I've ever played with, so when he's moving at full speed and feeling like himself, he's a heck of a player and one we're lucky to have."

In the end, training camp will provide the answers the Capitals are looking for, and Backstrom is ready to show he still belongs.

"You're realistic and know the league gets faster and it gets tougher the older you get," Backstrom told hockeynews.se. "At the same time, I feel that I still have a lot to give, and I'm very optimistic myself."