Capitals' Backstrom expected back for training camp

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is progressing well from arthroscopic hip surgery, general manager Brian MacLellan said Monday.

Backstrom had the surgery performed May 28. He is expected to be back in time for the opening of training camp next month.

"I heard he started skating just recently, so that's a good sign," MacLellan said.

Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik is expected to be ready for opening night after undergoing surgery on his wrist last Tuesday, MacLellan confirmed.

The Capitals originally announced Orpik's status in a statement they released about his surgery last Tuesday.

"I think he's had an issue with the wrist and he's managed it and it hasn't really affected his play," MacLellan said. "He's decided, I just don't want to manage it, I want to get it back to 100 percent. So when he starts the season he'd be 100-percent healthy."

Backstrom, 27, led the NHL with 60 assists during the regular season and finished sixth in scoring with 78 points, playing all 82 games. He had three goals and eight points in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Orpik, 34, had 19 assists and was plus-5 in 76 games last season, his first in Washington after signing a five-year, $27.5 million contract as a free agent.

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