The timeline for when Washington Capitals top-line center Nicklas Backstrom might find himself in the lineup again has ranged from uncertain to “for sure” being out for the season opener and a worst-case scenario return of Nov. 1. But the Capitals are encouraged by Backstrom’s progress, enough to feel comfortable releasing veteran center Derek Roy from his professional tryout contract and talk about a firmer return date.
Backstrom had arthroscopic hip surgery in May, and Coach Barry Trotz said Backstrom will see his surgeon next week to assess where he is in his recovery from that.