Veteran centre Nicklas Backstrom announced Wednesday that he is stepping away from the Washington Capitals due to an injury.
Backstrom, who turns 36 this month, had hip-resurfacing surgery in June of 2022 and returned in January of 2023, skating in 39 games last season and eight more this year. He was just the second NHL player to have hip-resurfacing surgery at the time.
“Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game,” Backstrom said in a statement. “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 is the Capitals’ all-time leader in assists with 762 and for nearly two decades has been setting up Alex Ovechkin as he climbed the all-time goals list.
The Capitals selected Backstrom fourth overall in the 2006 NHL Draft and he made his NHL debut in 2007-08. His career highlights include 1,105 NHL games, 1,033 points, a Stanley Cup and an Olympic silver medal. Backstrom and Ovechkin are the only two players in Capitals history to skate in 1,000 games and record 1,000 points with the franchise.
“We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process,” general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. “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.”
