Capitals Place Backstrom On LTIR; Wilson and Hagelin Injured Non-Roster

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Along with the Washington Capitals’ final cuts, the team also made some transactions to put the finishing touches on their opening night roster.

Washington placed Nicklas Backstrom on the long-term injured reserve on Wendesday. Carl Hagelin and Tom Wilson are listed as non-roster to open the 2022-23 campaign.

Backstrom is recovering from hip-resurfacing surgery. He said he is “pain-free” for the first time in years, and he is optimistic that he will play in the NHL again. However, there’s no timetable for his return as he continues a lengthy rehabilitation. He has been around the facility and working on his recovery.

Wilson, meanwhile, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL back in May. The 28-year-old is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery, and will likely be back by late November/early December. Hagelin is dealing with a lower-body injury unrelated to his eye injury.

The Capitals will start the season with 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders with camp coming to a close. Aliaksei Protas and Joe Snively made the opening night roster. Matt Irwin will be the seventh defenseman.

READ MORE ON WHN: Washington Capitals Lose 2 To Waivers, Loan Johansen, Borgstrom To Hershey

After Sunday’s practice, Washington placed Lucas Johansen, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Brett Leason and Henrik Borgstrom on waivers by the 2 p.m. deadline. AJF and Leason didn’t clear, as the Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks claimed the respective forwards. Johansen and Borgstrom cleared and head to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Opening night rosters are due by 5 p.m. on Monday.

The Capitals open the season on Wednesday at home against the Boston Bruins. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET.