Report: Capitals' Backstrom could return as early as Saturday

Nicklas Backstrom may not miss four games after all.

The Washington Capitals' No. 1 center, who shed his non-contact jersey in practice Monday, could return to the lineup as soon as Saturday, TSN's Bob McKenzie said on Tuesday's "Insider Trading" segment.

If Backstrom doesn't play Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes in Washington's third game of the season, he could return Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Calgary against the Flames. He had hip surgery in late May.

Backstrom was dominant for a third straight season in 2014-15, scoring 18 goals and adding 60 assists. Playing with Alex Ovechkin, he has 161 assists over the past three seasons.