In 17 seasons playing together, Backstrom has assisted on 279 of Ovechkin’s 868 regular season goals. Backstrom himself is in the process of returning from injury, currently on long-term injured reserve. He has not played since October 2023 when he took a leave of absence due to his resurfaced hip injury.

The 39-year-old was expected to miss the next several weeks after colliding with Utah's Jack McBain in November.

Ovechkin was on the ice for skating work ahead of practice and working with teammate Nicklas Backstrom, who was in a tracksuit. The two shared a hug at the end of the session. The Russian also worked with pucks for the first time,