The Capitals center isn't giving up and is ready to show what he can do for the Capitals now that he's 15 months removed from hip resurfacing surgery.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Taking the podium at media day after an intense morning of skate tests and practice, Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom kept things short when it came to his hip and didn't expand much when asked how he feels now 15 months removed from hip resurfacing surgery.

"Way better," he said. "Different. Better."

The Swede kept things simple, and for a big reason: his hip has been a relentless narrative, one that had control over him until he underwent risky hip resurfacing surgery last summer.

Now that he's free from it, having been relieved from the years of chronic pain and coming off of a full summer of training rather than rehab, he wants that storyline completely in the rearview.

"I mean, I got nothing more to say about it. I’m 100 percent. I’ve done everything I can this summer," 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."

And in a way, it is in the rearview. On Day 1, Backstrom fared well in skate tests, and he appeared more confident and sure of himself while skating. His turns were stronger, and he was more aggressive as the improvement was evident from where he was just a few months back.

The 34-year-old faces some big questions going into his 17th NHL season. While he said last year following his return that a full summer of training would work wonders, general manager Brian MacLellan wasn't exactly sold that he would be able to return to the level he used to be at.

MacLellan since stepped back and indicated on Thursday that everything he's seen so far with Backstrom has been positive. For Backstrom, though, he's choosing not to linger on those comments and is approaching the season with one focus.

“Well, I think all those questions, you got to talk to him about," Backstrom said of MacLellan. "I mean, I’ve answered mine. I’m just gonna control the things that I can, be as prepared as possible and I’m excited. I mean, I really am.”

When it comes to expectations, Backstrom has one goal in mind: a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Other than that, he's keeping his aspirations to himself for now as he looks to extend his career and help his team.

“I think a lot of us are really excited to be back. We were disappointed about last year. We also don’t want to miss playoffs, that’s not acceptable," Backstrom said. "I think I see a lot of fire in guys in the locker room and how we approach this season. I think it’s gonna be an important year."