Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington cited a report in Gefle Dagblad, as Swedish newspaper, that Backstrom has returned to Sweden and may be facing a rehab period of five months.

Backstrom (hip) has returned to Sweden and may be facing a rehab period of five months, Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington reports.

Analysis:

Gormley cites a story in the Swedish newspaper Gefle Dagblad that includes Backstrom saying he originally suffered the injury in November. The five-month timeline contradicts the optimistic press release put out by the Capitals immediately after his May 27 surgery -- the team suggested Backstrom would be ready to go in time for the 2015-2016 season. Three weeks removed from the procedure, it is impossible to tell when exactly Backstrom will be cleared to play, but it sounds quite possible that he will miss the first month of the season. Fantasy owners should be watching this situation closely, as Backstrom is one of fantasy's finest players and last year's NHL leader in assists (60).