Nicklas Backstrom was spotted at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Thursday morning.
The legendary Capitals centerman took in the first half of practice from the mezzanine area before slipping into the back with a Capitals representative. RMNB’s Katie Adler and reader @casadoresdean noticed the Super Swede at the skate. Julia tells RMNB she noticed Backstrom took some photos with fans.
Nicky is at Caps practice today… 🥺 #ALLCAPS
— julia (@casadoresdean) October 10, 2024
Backstrom’s attendance at practice comes as the team is set to host the Caps 50 Fest at Capital One Arena. Capitals players and over 70 Capitals alumni will be on hand for the event that will be headlined by a concert by Third Eye Blind.
The Capitals’ franchise leader in assists is also hosting a star-studded mini golf event on Monday to help raise money for the NB19 Assist Scholarship Fund.
Backstrom, who is on long-term injured reserve and in the final year of his contract, has not played since October 29, 2023 against the San Jose Sharks. He officially stepped away from the team days later due to lingering issues with his hip. Backstrom returned later in the season to travel on a four-game road trip with the team in January. He also attended the pregame ceremonies for Alex Ovechkin’s 802nd goal as well as celebrations for TJ Oshie and John Carlson’s 1000 game milestones.
Thursday’s practice at MCI was the Capitals’ first there since the weekend. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery decided to move the team’s skates to Capital One Arena on Monday and Tuesday to help break up the monotony of the week with their season-opening game on Saturday night.
