Backstrom has begun skating but head coach Peter Laviolette said that he is in the "beginning" of the rehab process, suggesting that he is still far from a season debut. Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre are expected to continue to fill the hole left by Backstrom's injury.

Strome’s 2021-22 season will get off to a tough start, as he fell down the depth chart in training camp and will be a healthy scratch in Colorado.

Lapierre was selected No.22 overall in the 2020 draft and cracked the Capitals lineup out of training camp with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) sidelined. Lapierre had eight goals and 23 assists (31 points) in 21 QMJHL goals last season and picked up five assists in four preseason games. Lapierre will start his NHL career as the Capitals third-line centre, with T.J. Oshie and Conor Sheary on his wings.

Ovechkin has been dealing with a minor lower-body injury but was on the ice for Wednesday’s morning skate and it appears he will be available for the Capitals’ season opener. However, Ovechkin told reporters he did not know if he was playing tonight, so consider him a game-time decision.

The Capitals did not provide much clarity on the severity of Backstrom's injury during the preseason but announced on Tuesday that he will be moved to LTIR. The move will keep him out for at least 10 games or 24 days. Hendrix Lapierre appears to be the front runner to replace him down the middle to open the season.

At this time, surgery is not on the table but the Capitals are still unsure when they will get Backstrom back on the ice. With the veteran centre out, Hendrix Lapierre and Connor McMichael have been impressing in training camp and one or both of them could make the team to start the regular season.

Backstrom will miss the start of training camp as he continues to rehab a lingering hip injury that he battled in 2021. The fact that he will miss the start of training camp is not a great sign but he has not been ruled out for the start of the regular season yet.