Washington Capitals legend and star center Nicklas Backstrom is finally off the shelf.

The team announced Wednesday afternoon that Backstrom has been removed from the injured non-roster list in the expectation that he will make his season debut tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks.

#Caps activate center Nicklas Backstrom from injured non-roster list and center Nic Dowd and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk from COVID protocol list. #Caps also place forward Anthony Mantha on LTI list.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 15, 2021

Backstrom’s return could not be any more well-timed as Wednesday also saw center Evgeny Kuznetsov placed into COVID-19 protocol. Kuzy will be out for at least the next two games.

Backstrom has been skating on a line with Conor Sheary and TJ Oshie at practice. He has also been working with the top power-play unit in his typical half-wall position.

Center Nicklas Backstrom has been activated from the injured non-roster list and is expected to make his season debut tonight in Chicago.#CapsHawks pic.twitter.com/EJZpSzW3PX

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 15, 2021

Winger Anthony Mantha was placed on long-term injured reserve to accomodate the activation. Nic Dowd and Trevor van Riemsdyk are also now available to play after being officially removed from COVID-19 protocol.

Headline photo: Cara Bahniuk/RMNB