Photo: Team Sweden
Swedish sports media outlet Aftonbladet is reporting that Washington Capitals centerman Nicklas Backstrom will once again pass on playing for Team Sweden in the upcoming 2023 IIHF World Championship in May. Backstrom said that he had hopes of playing, but in the end he realized that it was more important to build up his hip.
“It would have been so much fun, but unfortunately, he told Aftonbladet. “I have to strengthen my hip more and have a good summer.” Backstrom last played for Team Sweden in the 2017 Championship, when Sweden won the Gold Medal.
This past summer, Backstrom decided to take on an intensive and potentially career-impacting hip resurfacing surgery. By all accounts the surgery went well, as he eventually out-performed the odds of returning to the ice during the 2022-23 season. He ended up suiting up for the Capitals in 39 games.
In his breakdown day interview, Backstrom mentioned that he was optimistic about his future performance, since he’ll be able to get a full training session in this off-season.
Capitals defensman Rasmus Sandin remains a potential candidate for Team Sweden’s World Championship roster.
The 2023 IIHF World Championship will be co-hosted by Tampere, Finland and Riga, Latvia. The tournament is scheduled to be held from 12 to 28 May 2023, and will be organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
By Jon Sorensen
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