Insiders said Nicklas Backstrom's career could be over, but the latest update is extremely promising

However, the star center has made notable progress and is now practicing with he team. Backstrom has also been cleared for contact. The Capitals and medical staff will wait and see how Backstrom responds. Head coach Peter Laviolette said he making improvements but still has a ways to go to before returning to the lineup.

This is great news for the Capitals. Backstrom has been a huge piece of the teams success. He also should help Alex Ovechkin score more career goals with his slick passing ability. Although it may take some more time to recover, it is encouraging that he might be able to play again this season.

Washington has been crushed by injuries this season. Tom Wilson, Darcy Kuemper, Connor Brown, Carl Hagelin and Martin Fehervary are all currently on injured reserve. Getting some of these players back along with Backstrom would really give this team a boost. Props to Nicklas Backstrom coming all the way back from major hip surgery at the age of thirty-four Let's hope he can return to Washington lineup soon.