Backstrom has recovered from a left hip injury that has bothered him since last season. He was activiated from the injured non-roster list.
The center practiced Tuesday on the second line with Conor Sheary and T.J. Oshie, and was working with the first power-play unit.
"I'm feeling good right now," Backstrom said Monday. "As you all know, we haven't been having a lot of practice either. So it was nice to get a practice in and actually take some line rushes too. But feeling better, progressing and we'll see where we're at."
Center
Evgeny Kuznetsov
did not play after he was placed in COVID-19 protocol Wednesday.
Backstrom led Washington with 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists) in 55 games last season. The 34-year-old did not have surgery, but the rehab process was slow. He returned to skating in October and gradually increased the intensity of his workouts before joining the Capitals for practice Nov. 24.
"I mean, you're talking about our leading scorer last year and someone who's been a mainstay offensively for this organization for a long time," coach Peter Laviolette said. "So when you add a player back into the lineup that's skilled like he is and can make plays like he can, it's a benefit."
After initially practicing in a no-contact jersey, Backstrom was cleared for contact Dec. 3. He practiced as an extra forward until Monday.
"It's just nice to be skating with the guys," he said. "I think skating by yourself actually [stinks]. … I love [strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish], but skating just me and him, it's been tough. But it's nice to get out there and compete with the guys and just take line rushes."
Laviolette was asked if Backstrom's minutes would be managed.
"You're in communication with the player and the trainer and go from there," he said. "So I'm sure he's going to be fine, whenever that is. Hopefully he has another good day today and I think there's communication whenever that game is. There's communication postgame, there's communication next day and go from there."
Backstrom acknowledged that his recovery had some tough moments.
"It's been a little bit of a roller coaster, I think, especially an emotional one," he said. "Some days early on you're kind of getting down a little bit, but at the same time now we're here and it's feeling good, which is what we all hoped for. So hopefully it stays that way."
Without Backstrom, the Capitals (17-5-6) were tied with the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning for second in the NHL (40 points), behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (42). The Washington power play dropped to 25th in the NHL at 16.5 percent by going 0-for-10 with one shorthanded goal allowed the past six games.
"He's been practicing with us for a little while now, but it's great to see him out there," defenseman John Carlson said Monday. "I'm sure for him it's certainly a breath of fresh air."
Kuznetsov was second on the Capitals with 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in 28 games. Alex Ovechkin led with 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists).
Washington also was without forward Tom Wilson, who took part in an optional skate after missing a 3-2 win at the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday with an upper-body injury.
Center Nic Dowd and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk played after each missed the past four games in NHL COVID-19 protocol. Dowd and van Riemsdyk won't be eligible to play at the Winnipeg Jets on Friday because of longer COVID-19 quarantine requirements in Canada, so they will fly back to Washington after the game.
Forward Garnet Hathaway, who has been in COVID-19 protocol the past three games, has yet to return to practice and did not make the trip.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report
