The Washington Capitals aging core has helped them to a recent Stanley Cup victory, but beyond that, they've had their struggles staying healthy. However, it appears that could be changing in 2023.
According to sources within the Capitals organization, Nicklas Backstrom, a player who's had trouble staying healthy in recent years is back, and potentially looking better than ever.
Despite not playing over 80 games in the past four seasons, Backstrom is reportedly healthy, and now, it looks like he's back to his old self.
While many expected Evgeny Kuznetsov to slide into the top-line center role, it appears that Backstrom is healthy for the first time in almost a decade, and now, it could lead to a very fun Washington Capitals run.
It's not clear yet what the team's plans are, with young Matthew Phillips and Sonny Milano making their case for big roles, but if the team gets Backstrom, Kuznetsov, Oshie, and Ovechkin at full health, this will be a good team to watch in a crowded Eastern Conference in 2023-24.
