The Washington Capitals center insisted Friday he's fine, the day he skated for the first time since Dec. 26.
Draft as you would normally - it looks like Backstrom will enter camp with no injury.
Washington Capitals News
Carl Hagelin says he's at 100% after shoulder injury in Sweden.
Good news for Rangers fans although we are uncertain where Hagelin will slot into the Rangers' lineup.
Elsewhere, Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has missed two consecutive games for Dynamo Moscow since suffering a neck bruise in a game on Dec. 26 and there is uncertainty as to when he will be able to return.
The Capitals' attack - and your fantasy team - will certainly be affected if the season starts and Backstrom is unavailable.
In NYR warmups, looks 62-19-10; 20-21-24; 26-17-8; 42-34-71, so Kreider moved up and same d-pairs
Hagelin is up on the top line with Richards and Gaborik
The good news for the Rangers is Carl Hagelin will be returning to the lineup after serving a three-game suspension for his elbow to the head of Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson (concussion) in Game 2.
The Rangers could use Hagelin's offensive boost. He'll likely take Boyle's spot in the lineup.
One game suspension for WSH's Nicklas Backstrom.
Backstrom will sit out Game 4 Thursday night because of his cross-check on Bruins forward Rich Peverly.
Hagelin gets three games, Matt Carkner handed a one-game suspension.
Hagelin is suspended for Games 3-5.
f Monday's pairings remain, it'll be Karl Alzner with John Carlson
Carlson moves back to the top pairing, where he will play alongside Karl Alzner.
Backstrom confirms he's back
Expect Backstrom to play on the top line tonight between Marcus Johansson and Alex Ovechkin. Sidelined since January 3rd with a concussion, the pivot scored 13 goals and 42 points on the season.
#Caps Hunter on Backstrom playing tomorrow "We don't know yet, we'll have to meet as a group and see how he feels"
Backstrom continues to practice with the club and is an option to play tomorrow. Check back for a further update from the team.
#Caps spokesman says Nicklas Backstrom is making the trip to Boston with the team.
Backstrom is cleared for contact, cleared by doctors and is now travelling with the team. Drawing back into the lineup is at his discretion.
#Caps' McPhee said Backstrom passed baseline test today with "flying colors." Now it's up to him for game shape.
Backstrom still needs to work on his conditioning but he should return to the lineup shortly.
Line Change
Eller moves back to center with white and blunden on his wings.
Eller moves back down to the third line for tonight's tilt. He scored 16 goals and 28 points in 73 games.
Nicklas Backstrom skating w Caps teammates in 4th line white.
Backstrom continues to skate and took his first practice in since getting hurt. He should be an option to play again during the regular season.
#Caps center Nicklas Backstrom has been cleared to practice with no restrictions. He'll be on the ice later today after video session.
Fantastic news for all parties invested in Backstrom. With a few more practices, Backstrom should be able to return this season.
Hunter said Backstrom will do "more" next week. Ramping things up is good thing, but still no indication when he'll practice with #Caps
More good news on Backstrom, albeit cryptic. The star center still has no timetable for his return.
Nicklas Backstrom is back on the ice today for another workout with #Caps strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish.
Backstrom continues to skate and workout which is very encouraging. He still has no timetable whatsoever.
#Caps spokesman says Nicklas Backstrom skated about 40-45 minutes today at Kettler. Seventh straight day on ice.
Backstrom skating without setbacks continues to be a good omen. There is still no timetable on his status.
Line Change
bourque-pleks-eller
Eller moves from the third line to the second. In his second full season with the Habs, he scored 15 goals and 26 points.
#Caps spokesman confirms Nicklas Backstrom skated today at Kettler.
Sixth straight day for the concussed Backstrom. He still has no timetable for his return.