Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom announces stepping away from NHL following hip injury, unlikely to play again in 2023-24 season

On Monday, veteran forward Nicklas Backstrom provided an update regarding his injury and his status for this ongoing season.

Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom announces stepping away from NHL following hip injury, unlikely to play again in 2023-24 season

Nicklas Backstrom (Pic Credit: AP)

The Washington Capitals have now informed us that their alternate captain Nicklas Backstrom will be taking time away from the field. The veteran has been dealing with health issues and will now take leave to get back to full health. This was announced by both the player and their general manager Brian MacLellan.

As per the update, it is unlikely that Backstrom will be appearing again in the 2023-24 season. However, GM MacLellan did not rule this out. If the 35-year-old does not return again this season, then he will finish the campaign with one assist from eight games.

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"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".
Nicklas Backstrom through a club-released statement

Ever since making his debut in the league, the forward has been in the shadows of the legendary Alex Ovechkin. Despite this, he has produced some great numbers which makes him a worthy future Hall of Fame candidate.

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Brian MacLellan offers support to Nicklas Backstrom following latest setback

The last thing a team wants at the start of a new season is to lose one of their experienced players for the entirety of the season. The injury to Nicklas Backstrom is an unfortunate one for the team. While addressing this situation general manager Brian MacLellan has now offered him support following this decision.

Brian MacLellan and Nicklas Backstrom
Brian MacLellan (R) and Nicklas Backstrom (L) [Pic Credit: AP]
"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".
Brian MacLellan said

Backstrom underwent a major hip surgery in 2022. Only two players in the history of the NHL have come back to play the game since undergoing this, with him being one of them. The other was Florida Panthers‘ Ed Jovanoski. However, it now seems that the injury is causing him trouble again. This leads to the question of whether he will ever get back and play the sport he loves.

This also puts pressure on the young shoulders of Connor McMichael. The 2019 first-round draft pick has undergone a transition in his playing position and now has been moved to the third line. The 22-year-old is now hoping the team can come together and fill the void that has been created due to the unfortunate leave of Backstrom.

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