Swedish forward Nicklas Backstrom will sign a lockout contract with Dynamo Moscow on Saturday and rejoin his NHL teammate Alex Ovechkin, the Russian team announced on its website.
Backstrom has been playing along Ovechkin in the first line of the Washington Capitals for the last five seasons, helping him to win an Art Ross Trophy and two Maurice Richard Trophies.
“Nicklas Backstrom will sign a contract after passing a medical on the standard terms: either till the end of season, or the termination of the NHL lockout,” a statement on Dynamo's website said.
Backstrom has already arrived in Moscow and will support his new team from the stands in Saturday’s road clash against Atlant Moscow Region.
He may debut for Dynamo, which stands third in the Western Conference, on Monday in the away game against Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
The 24 year old moved to the U.S. capital in 2007, notching up 407 points in 415 NHL appearances.
He also won the world championships with Sweden in 2006.