Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom has been medically cleared for contact but will not play Thursday against the Blackhawks.

"It's probably going to be day-to-day," coach Barry Trotz said Wednesday. "He got bumped a little bit today and we'll see how he feels tomorrow and we'll just sort of take it day by day."

Backstrom is recovering from arthroscopic hip surgery he had May 27. He has not played this season.