Capitals GM: Derek Roy could make team even with healthy Nicklas Backstrom

Derek Roy won't be attending Washington Capitals training camp as a substitute.

General manager Brian MacLellan confirmed Monday that an invite was extended to and accepted by the veteran center, adding that the move wasn't precipitated by an injury that will keep Nicklas Backstrom off the ice through the preseason.

"Inviting Derek was a way of covering ourselves maybe if we have to," MacLellan told Mike Vogel of washingtoncaps.com. "(But) we liked the way he played last year and maybe there is another spot besides (Backstrom's) spot that he can play in. I think it is a win-win for the player and for us. It might be a good fit. We'll see how it works and go from there."

The GM added that Roy will get an extended look during exhibition games.

"He can play the wing and fill in at center a little bit. I think he is going to be a versatile player. We’ll put him in the lineup and we’ll put him in different spots. If there is a chemistry there, we will pursue it."

Roy, 32, split last season between the Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers, recording 12 goals and 20 assists in 72 games.

The playmaking center has averaged 0.71 points per game over the course of his 11-year NHL career.