The Washington Capitals and center Nicklas Backstrom announced on Wednesday morning that the 35-year-old will step away from the game. He underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 18, 2022, his second hip procedure in seven years, and missed the first 42 games of the 2022-23 season.
“Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game. This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and fans for their unwavering support throughout this process. I ask for privacy at this time as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward,” Backstrom said in a statement released by the team.
“We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process. We know firsthand how hard he has worked and how determined he is to get back to full health. Our organization stands fully behind him while he takes his leave of absence from the team and takes time to evaluate his current health situation,” GM Brian MacLellan stated.
Nicklas Backstrom let the Caps’ trainers, MacLellan and Carbery know on Monday that his plan was to step away; his body isn’t responding the way he wants it to. He addressed his teammates in the locker room this morning before practice to tell them the news.
— Bailey Johnson (@BaileyAJohnson_) November 1, 2023
Backstrom, the Capitals’ all-time assists leader, has recorded 1,033 points (271g, 762a) in 1,105 career games with Washington. Backstrom ranks second in franchise history in points, games played, power-play points (421) and overtime goals (9), and fourth in goals, power-play goals (86) and game-winning goals (39). Backstrom was drafted by the Capitals in the first round, fourth overall, in the 2006 NHL Draft and is one of two players in franchise history to play 1,000 games with Washington and record 1,000 points.
Backstrom has tallied one assist in eight games this season.
Word is Backstrom will go on IR today. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him land on LTI at some point in the near future. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 1, 2023
If he goes on long-term injured reserve, Washington could have a spare $9.2 million in NHL salary cap space. Backstrom currently has two years left on his contract.
#ALLCAPS will likely place Nicklas Backstrom on Long Term Injured Reserve and add his $9.2M cap hit to their existing LTI Salary pool.
This will also more easily facilitate the activation Max Pacioretty and Joel Edmundson off LTIR when both players are ready to return.
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) November 1, 2023
Washington, who is 4-3-1 and has won three straight games, hosts the New York Islanders on Thursday night (7 PM ET, Monumental Sports Network in-market, ESPN+ out-of-market).
By Harrison Brown