Pair of Capitals stars not expected to be ready for training camp

The Washington Capitals released their group of 72 skaters who will participate with the team in training camp including forwards Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie. 

Tom Gulitti of the NHL reported that the team will hold media availability after the first practice on Wednesday; Backstrom and Oshie were not listed indicating they won’t be on the ice with the team for their first practice.

The report is unsurprising given that Backstrom has been away from the team since Nov. 1 due to chronic hip issues. Oshie indicated earlier in the summer that his back issues may prohibit him from playing this season. 

Washington was expected to place both players on LTIR at the first available opportunity allowing them to free up $14.95M in salary cap space.

It’s been status quo regarding Backstrom over the last calendar year. The veteran center underwent hip resurfacing surgery in the summer before the 2022-23 NHL season and he seemingly responded well with seven goals and 21 points in 39 games to end the year. Backstrom entered the 2023-24 NHL season at full health but would unfortunately only appear in eight contests. He cited his hip was not responding well and he’s been away from the team ever since.

Oshie’s future with the organization is a bit murkier with Gulitti also reporting that the general manager of the Capitals, Chris Patrick, stated last month that the team would know more about Oshie’s availability closer to the start of training camp. Each player will get a physical done by the team medical staff before skating which outlines the timeline of any decisions regarding his availability.

The veteran winger is coming off one of the worst performances of his career as he only scored 12 goals and 25 points in 52 contests. Oshie was placed on the injured reserve three times throughout the 2023-24 season but did manage to suit up in all four playoff contests for the Capitals. 

There would be cap ramifications if Oshie can play in the 2024-25 NHL season as Washington would still sit $1.02M above the cap if they can only put Backstrom on LTIR.